FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. (WAVE) – Fuzzy Zoeller, two-time major PGA champion and southern Indiana golf legend, has passed away at the age of 74.
Covered Bridge Golf Club, one of the courses Zoeller founded, announced the death Thursday.
Zoeller, born in New Albany, won the Masters in 1979 and the US Open in 1984 as well as eight other PGA tournaments. He was the last player to win the Masters in his first attempt, winning out in a three-man playoff over Ed Sneed and Tom Watson, flinging his punter in the air after a second-hole birdie.
“I’ve never been to heaven, and thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go,” Zoeller once said. “I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”
His US Open win saw him famously wave a white towel when he thought Greg Norman had beaten him, only to win an 18-hole playoff the next day against Norman.
“Fuzzy’s passion for golf, his larger-than-life personality and his deep ties to our region always made him more than just a champion,” Covered Bridge said in a Facebook post. “He embodied the spirit and love of the game that so many at Covered Bridge and Champions Pointe hold dear. His legacy will live on through every drive, putt and laughter-filled round on the course.”
Zoeller was given the Bob Jones Award by the USGA in 1985, the organization’s highest honor given for distinguished sportsmanship.
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