The golf world stands in somber tribute to Fuzzy Zoeller, the charismatic two-time major champion whose infectious humor and clutch performances defined an era, passing away on November 27, 2025, at age 74.
Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. on November 11, 1951, in New Albany, Indiana, he earned his nickname from his father’s initials, growing up in a family that cherished the game’s traditions. No cause of death was disclosed, but his departure prompts reflection on a life that blended triumph with humanity.
Fuzzy’s journey to stardom began at Edison Junior College and the University of Houston, where he honed his game before turning pro in 1973. He claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the 1976 Greater Milwaukee Open, but true glory arrived in 1979 at Augusta National, where he birdied the first playoff hole to win the Masters in his debut appearance—the first since Gene Sarazen in 1935.
His 1984 U.S. Open win at Winged Foot followed a stunning second-round 66, rallying from seven strokes back to edge out Greg Norman in another playoff. Fuzzy amassed 12 PGA Tour titles, including the 1985 Memorial Tournament, and two senior majors, like the 2002 Senior PGA Championship. He also earned the 1985 Bob Jones Award from the USGA for sportsmanship, reflecting his gracious demeanor on and off the course.
Beyond competition, Fuzzy’s personality shone through a 19-event Ryder Cup career across three teams, where his banter lightened tensions. He launched Fuzzy’s Vodka in 2009, blending business with his love for storytelling, and mentored juniors through clinics that emphasized fun over pressure. His hobbies included hunting and fishing, pursuits that grounded him amid the tour’s demands.
Fuzzy married Diane Thornton in 1972, sharing 49 years until her 2021 passing; they raised three children—Jana, James, and Joseph—who survive him alongside grandchildren. Family outings to Indiana lakes offered respite, where his quick wit turned simple casts into cherished tales. Though later marred by a 1997 racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods—drawing apologies and threats—Fuzzy’s core remained one of unfiltered joy.
Fuzzy Zoeller’s swing may have stilled, but his birdie-first philosophy endures, inspiring golfers to embrace the game’s spirit with levity and grit. Tributes from peers like Jack Nicklaus highlight his irreplaceable charm, while the PGA Tour honors a champion whose victories felt like neighborhood triumphs. His family requests privacy as they celebrate a life that holed out with grace.
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