Fuzzy Zoeller, one of golf’s most beloved figures, passed away on Thanksgiving Day. He enjoyed an illustrious PGA Tour career with ten titles. It included two majors, the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open Championship.

NUCLR GOLF, a popular golf handle on X, tweeted, “Fuzzy Zoeller has passed away at the age of 74. Fuzzy won 2 major championships and amassed 19 worldwide wins over his career. Rip Fuzzy.”

The PGA Tour legend was 74 at the time of his passing. The cause of death is yet to become public. Reportedly, Zoeller’s daughter reached out to Brian Naugle, the tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, to convey the news.

Zoeller was the last golfer to win the Masters on his debut. In 1979, he warded off threats from Ed Sneed and Tom Watson to win the Green Jacket. Zoeller, then 27, bested both on the second hole of the sudden-death playoff. Interestingly, Jack Nicklaus finished a stroke behind to miss the playoff. And in 1984, he bested Greg Norman in an 18-hole Monday playoff to win the U.S. Open.

His spectacular record both as a player and a well-respected golf personality suffered somewhat because of a callous joke towards a young Tiger Woods during the 1997 Masters. However, Zoeller apologized multiple times and, in a 2008 Golf Digest article, wrote that, “I’ve cried many times. I’ve apologized countless times for words said in jest that just aren’t a reflection of who I am,” the two-time major champion added. He, reportedly, received death threats as well.

Nevertheless, Zoeller was admired more for his easygoing nature and was a fan favorite, often bringing kids from the spectator area inside the ropes. In 1985, the USGA named him the recipient of the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

Quite naturally, Zoeller’s passing left the golf world heartbroken. And many shared their love and support for Zoeller’s family.

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The internet is left heartbroken learning about Fuzzy Zoeller’s passing

One of the most significant messages came from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. In a post shared by the PGA Tour, he was quoted as saying, “The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller. Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf. Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

Zoeller was known for his quick-witted and playful personality. Apart from his outstanding abilities on the golf course, he was also an amazing human being. Many would remember him waving a white towel in the 1984 U.S. Open after Greg Norman sank the long putt on the 72nd hole. Zoeller thought Norman birdied the hole (it was actually a par) to win the trophy.

In fact, the U.S. Open official account shared the video of Norman’s putt & Zoeller’s surrender in the post dedicated to his passing. They wrote, “One of the greatest sporting gestures in our Championship’s history. RIP to our 1984 champion, Fuzzy.”

John Daly also shared a sweet post with a message, “To a best friend and a father figure who helped me a ton in my life… I’ll miss you beyond words🕊️ Rest in Peace Fuzzy ❤️.” Daly and Zoeller shared a very friendly dynamic on & off the field. In fact, the late legend had also bet that John wouldn’t reach 50, judging by his eccentric lifestyle. Daly wouldn’t have imagined that it would be Zoeller who would be the first one to go.

Noted journalist, Josh Carpenter, wrote, “Polarizing at times, but Fuzzy was one of golf’s great characters. One of the fans also had something similar to say about his character as he commented, “One of golf’s great players and a personality.” While his game did the talking on the course, he sure knew how to present himself off it as well. That is what made him such a distinct figure in the sport.