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Two-time major champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died at age 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 teammates alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Zoeller was a 10-time winner on tour, including the aforementioned majors. His first major and second PGA victory was the 1979 Masters, which was his first time ever playing at Augusta National.
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Golfer Gary Player helps Masters golf tournament winner Fuzzy Zoeller put on his green jacket. (Getty Images)
He then won the US Open five years later at Winged Foot Golf Club in epic fashion, going up against Greg Norman in an 18-hole playoff. Zoeller shot a three-under 67, while Norman was eight strokes behind. Zoeller and Norman were the only players to shoot under par in the four regulation rounds, going 4-under. Curtis Strange’s third place finish came at 1-over.
He finished second at the 1981 PGA Championship and third at the 1994 Open Championship at Turnberry, which is now owned by President Donald Trump.
Greg Norman (R) congratulates Fuzzy Zoeller on the 18th hole after losing the US Open. (John Iacono/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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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 had another top-10 finish at the Masters.
Fuzzy Zoeller celebrates a 68-foot birdie putt on the second hole in his playoff round at the 1984 US 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, when Great Britain’s team expanded to all of Europe. It brought in golf legends like Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle.
