Fuzzy Zoeller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fuzzy Zoeller |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Zoeller in 2008
|
|
| Personal information | |
| Full name | Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. |
| Nickname | Fuzzy |
| Born | November 11, 1951 New Albany, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | November 27, 2025 (aged 74) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg; 14 st) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Residence | Floyds Knobs, Indiana, U.S. |
| Spouse | Diane Thornton Zoeller |
| Children | 4 |
| Career | |
| College | Edison Junior College (FL) University of Houston |
| Turned professional | 1973 |
| Former tour(s) | PGA Tour Champions Tour |
| Professional wins | 19 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| PGA Tour | 10 |
| Champions Tour | 2 |
| Other | 7 |
| Best results in Major Championships (Wins: 2) |
|
| The Masters Tournament | Won: 1979 |
| U.S. Open | Won: 1984 |
| The Open Championship | 3rd: 1994 |
| PGA Championship | 2nd: 1981 |
| Achievements and awards | |
| Bob Jones Award | 1985 |
Frank Urban "Fuzzy" Zoeller Jr. (November 11, 1951 – November 27, 2025) was a famous American professional golfer. He won 10 events on the PGA Tour, including two major championships. Fuzzy was one of only three golfers to win the Masters Tournament in his very first try. He also won the U.S. Open in 1984.
Contents
A Golfing Legend: Fuzzy Zoeller
Early Days and First Swings
Fuzzy Zoeller was born and grew up in New Albany, Indiana. He showed great talent for golf early on. While attending New Albany High School, he was a very successful golfer. In 1970, he finished second in the state high school tournament, setting a new record for the lowest score in a single round (67).
After high school, Fuzzy continued his education and golf career. He attended Edison Junior College in Florida. Later, he transferred to the University of Houston. In 1973, he decided to become a professional golfer, ready to compete with the best.
Becoming a Pro Golfer
Fuzzy Zoeller quickly made a name for himself in the world of professional golf. He was known for his relaxed style and friendly personality on the course.
Winning Big: The Masters and U.S. Open
Fuzzy won both of his major championships in exciting playoff matches. In 1979, he won the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. This was a three-way sudden-death playoff against Ed Sneed and Tom Watson. It was an amazing achievement because he was the first golfer since 1935 to win the Masters in his first appearance! Only two other golfers had done this before him.
Five years later, in 1984, Fuzzy won the U.S. Open. This victory happened at Winged Foot Golf Club after an 18-hole playoff against Greg Norman. These two wins showed everyone that Fuzzy was a top player.
Fun Moments on the Course
One memorable moment in Fuzzy's career happened during the 1984 U.S. Open. On the final hole, his opponent, Greg Norman, made a long putt to tie the score. Fuzzy, known for his humor, playfully waved a white towel in mock surrender from the fairway. The next day, after Fuzzy won the playoff, Greg Norman returned the joke by waving a white towel himself! This showed the great sportsmanship between the two golfers.
Learning from Mistakes
During the 1997 Masters Tournament, Fuzzy Zoeller made a comment about fellow golfer Tiger Woods that caused a lot of discussion and was seen as inappropriate. Fuzzy quickly apologized for his words, explaining that he didn't mean to offend anyone. This moment was a reminder for everyone about the importance of being respectful and thoughtful with our words, especially in public.
Later Career and Achievements
Fuzzy continued to play golf for many years. He achieved his best finish in The Open Championship in 1994, coming in third place. He also represented the United States in the Ryder Cup three times (in 1979, 1983, and 1985), helping his team win twice.
In 2002, Fuzzy joined the Champions Tour, which is for older professional golfers. He won the Senior PGA Championship that year, which is a major tournament for senior players. He also won the 2004 MasterCard Championship.
In 1985, Fuzzy was honored with the Bob Jones Award. This is the highest award given by the United States Golf Association for showing outstanding sportsmanship in golf.
Life Off the Course
Away from the golf course, Fuzzy Zoeller was a family man. He was married to Diane Thornton Zoeller, who passed away in 2021. They had four children together.
Later in his life, Fuzzy also started a business venture. In 2009, he began selling his own brand of vodka, called "Fuzzy's Vodka." This brand even sponsored race cars in the IndyCar Series starting in 2012.
Fuzzy Zoeller passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 74. He will be remembered as a talented golfer with a great sense of humor.
His Legacy in Golf
Fuzzy Zoeller had a successful career with 19 professional wins in total. This included 10 wins on the PGA Tour and 2 wins on the Champions Tour. His major victories were the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open. He also won several amateur tournaments before turning professional, such as the 1972 Florida State Junior College Championship and the 1973 Indiana State Amateur.
