NEED TO KNOW

• Golfer Fuzzy Zoeller died on Thursday, Nov. 27 at age 74, the United States Golf Association announced
• A cause of death was not made public
• Zoeller, who won the Masters and the U.S. Open, faced backlash in 1997 after making racially insensitive jokes about Tiger Woods during a CNN interview

Golf champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died at age 74.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced on Thursday, Nov. 27 that the golfer, whose full name was Frank Urban “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr., died on Thursday at age 74.

A cause of death was not made public.

The golf champion is survived by his children: Sunny, Heidi, Gretchen and Miles, as well as multiple grandchildren, per the USGA.

According to ESPN, the director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston said Zoeller's daughter called him on Thursday to inform him of her father's passing.

Zoeller, who won two major titles, including the 1984 U.S. Open The Masters in 1979, is remembered as "one of a kind" in a statement from USGA CEO Mike Whan. "We are grateful for all he gave to golf," Whan continued. "I hope we can all remember his unmistakable joy. The USGA is sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends." 

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement, "The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller. Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf. Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family."

In 1997, Zoeller put a stain on his own golf career when he made a racially insensitive remark about Tiger Woods.

According to CBS and ESPN, Zoeller said on CNN at the time, "That little boy is driving well, and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it, and tell him not serve fried chicken next year. [at the Champions Dinner] Got it?"

He also remarked, "Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve," during the broadcast.

Following criticism, Zoeller later apologized for the remarks.

Read the original article on People