PGA Tour Mourns the Passing of Fuzzy Zoller

The PGA Tour announced on Thursday the passing of two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoller, who died at the age of 74.

In a statement, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed, “Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the world of golf. He had outstanding athletic ability coupled with a great sense of humor. Fans and fellow players alike adored him. We honor his remarkable achievements and offer our deepest sympathies to his family.”

Zoller achieved ten victories on tour, with notable wins including the 1979 Masters, which was his first major and second PGA Tour win, all during his debut at Augusta National.

Five years later, he clinched the U.S. Open title at Winged Foot Golf Club after an 18-hole playoff against Greg Norman. Zoller played impressively, scoring a 3-under 67, while Norman finished eight shots behind. Remarkably, both were the only players to par in the fourth regulation round, wrapping up at 4 under, with Curtis Strange taking third place with a score of one over.

He secured a second-place finish at the 1981 PGA Championship held at Turnberry, which is now owned by Donald Trump, and achieved a third-place finish at the 1994 British Open Championship.

In 1985, Zoller was in a strong position going into the final round of the British Open but fell short as Nick Price shot four under to win, while Zoller ended with an even par of 70, losing by three strokes.

The golfer also claimed victory at the Senior PGA Championship in 2002 and marked another top ten finish at the Masters later on.

Throughout his career, Zoller represented the United States in the Ryder Cups of 1979, 1983, and 1985, winning the first two but ending with a loss in the final. That 1985 event was notable as it marked the first U.S. defeat since 1957, with a British team that included golf legends like Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer.