NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died at the age of 74, the PGA Tour announced Thursday.
“Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. “Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Zoeller was a 10-time winner on tour, including at the aforementioned majors. His first major victory and second PGA victory was the 1979 Masters, which was the first time he played at Augusta National.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Golfer Gary Player helps Masters golf tournament winner Fuzzy Zoeller put on his green jacket. (Getty Images)
He then won the U.S. Open five years later at Winged Foot Golf Club in epic fashion, taking on Greg Norman in an 18-hole playoff. Zoeller shot a three-under 67 while Norman was eight shots behind. Zoeller and Norman were the only players to shoot under par in the four regulation rounds, at 4 under par. Curtis Strange’s third over came at 1-over.
He finished second at the 1981 PGA Championship and third at the 1994 Open Championship at Turnberry, now owned by President Donald Trump.
Greg Norman (right) congratulates Fuzzy Zoeller on the 18th hole after losing the US Open. (John Iacono/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU TALKS ABOUT RYDER CUP, CRUSHING RIVALRIES WITH PGA PLAYERS AND LACK OF RESOLUTION WITH LIV
Zoeller held a share of the lead heading into the final round in Scotland, but Nick Price shot 4 under in the final round, while Zoeller shot an even 70 to lose by three strokes.
Zoeller also won the Senior PGA Championship in 2002 and finished another top 10 at the Masters.
Fuzzy Zoeller celebrates a 68-foot birdie putt on the second hole of his playoff round at the 1984 U.S. Open. (Getty Images)
Zoeller represented the United States in the 1979, 1983 and 1985 Ryder Cups, winning his first two before losing his final. The 1985 Ryder Cup was the first time the United States had lost the Ryder Cup since 1957, as Team Great Britain expanded across Europe. This brought golf legends like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle.
