Golf icon Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion, has passed away at 74, leaving behind a legacy both brilliant and blemished, as the Daily Mail reports.

Zoeller, born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana, carved a storied career with victories at the Masters and U.S. Open, only to be haunted later by a racially insensitive remark about Tiger Woods that stirred lasting controversy, as confirmed by a close colleague.

Known as "Fuzzy" after his father, Zoeller’s journey began at a junior college in Florida before joining the Houston golf team and turning pro. His grit and charm made him a fan favorite early on.

Early Triumphs on the Green

In 1979, Zoeller etched his name in history by winning the Masters on his very first try, a feat unmatched since. He outlasted Ed Sneed and Tom Watson in a tense three-man playoff, clinching victory with a birdie on the second extra hole.

Five years later, at the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, Zoeller thought he’d lost to Greg Norman and waved a white towel in mock surrender -- only to dominate Norman by eight shots in an 18-hole playoff the next day. Talk about turning a jest into a knockout punch.

With two major titles, eight other PGA Tour wins, a Senior PGA Championship, and another PGA Tour Champions title, Zoeller’s resume gleamed. Add the 1985 Bob Jones Award from the USGA for sportsmanship, and you’ve got a career most would envy.

Controversy Overshadows a Storied Career

But the shine dulled in 1997 at the Masters, when Zoeller, speaking to CNN near the clubhouse oak tree, made a racially insensitive quip about Tiger Woods. Suggesting Woods shouldn’t serve certain foods at the next year’s champions’ dinner, the comment landed like a shank in a bunker.

Zoeller said, “That little boy is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win,” before adding, “You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?"

He didn’t stop there, tacking on, “Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve." While Zoeller later apologized, the backlash was fierce—death threats followed for years, and Woods’ delayed response only fanned the flames. Let’s be real: in today’s hyper-sensitive culture, a slip like this becomes a life sentence, fair or not.

Reflecting on a Painful Fallout

In a 2008 Golf Digest piece, Zoeller called the ordeal “the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life.” That’s a heavy confession from a man who’d faced playoff pressure and personal loss, including the passing of his wife, Diane, in 2021.

The incident clung to him like a bad lie on a fairway, despite a career of camaraderie and achievement. Zoeller insisted the words were a jest, not a reflection of his character, but the court of public opinion rarely grants mulligans.

Yet, his peers saw the man beyond the mistake. John Daly, in a heartfelt social media tribute, wrote, “To a best friend and a father figure who helped me a ton in my life... I'll miss you beyond word. Rest in Peace Fuzzy.” That’s a reminder that personal bonds often cut deeper than public scandals.

Legacy of Talent and Turmoil

Zoeller’s life wasn’t just golf and gaffes -- he was a family man with three children, including daughter Gretchen, with whom he teamed up at the PNC Championship. Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, received the somber call from Zoeller’s daughter confirming his passing, though the cause remains undisclosed.

Looking back, Zoeller’s story is a cautionary tale about words in a world quick to judge and slow to forgive. His 1979 Masters win and 1984 U.S. Open heroics stand tall, yet that 1997 misstep looms large, a reminder of how one moment can redefine decades of work.

So, as we bid farewell to Fuzzy, let’s remember the whole picture -- a champion who soared, stumbled, and sought redemption. In a culture obsessed with canceling over context, perhaps it’s time to weigh a man’s full scorecard, not just his worst shot.