Former Masters and US Open champion Fuzzy Zoeller has died aged 74.

A statement released by the the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) confirmed his passing on Wednesday (Thursday local time), but no cause of death has been revealed.

“The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller,” commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement.

“Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf.”

The US Golf Association also paid tribute to the golfer, writing: “Fuzzy Zoeller, the 1984 U.S. Open champion and 1985 Bob Jones Award recipient, died Wednesday night. He was 74.”

Zoeller was a major winner whose later career was overshadowed by a racially insensitive joke he made about Tiger Woods, has died aged 74.

He was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt, claiming the 1979 title in a three-man play-off.

In the 1984 US Open, he famously waved a white towel at Winged Foot when he thought Greg Norman had beaten him, only to return the next day and defeat the Australian star in an 18-hole play-off.

But his reputation changed during the 1997 Masters, when Woods was on the verge of a historic victory at Augusta National.

Speaking to CNN after finishing his round, Zoeller made remarks about Woods’ race and stereotyped him.

“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. Got it?” he said.

As he walked away, he added: “Or collard greens, or whatever the hell they serve.”

Zoeller apologised, but the backlash lasted years. Woods did not respond immediately, and Zoeller later said he received death threats.

Writing in Golf Digest in 2008, he called the episode “the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life”.

“If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I’m here to tell you they got their way,” he wrote.

“I’ve cried many times. I’ve apologised countless times for words said in jest that just aren’t a reflection of who I am. I have hundreds of friends, including people of colour, who will attest to that.

“Still, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away.”

The controversy overshadowed an otherwise notable career, which included two major titles, eight additional PGA Tour wins and two victories on the senior circuit.

Born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr in Indiana, he inherited the nickname “Fuzzy” from his father. Known for his quick play and relaxed manner, he often whistled between shots.

His breakthrough came at the 1979 Masters, where he beat Ed Sneed and Tom Watson in a play-off, throwing his putter in the air after the winning putt.

“I’ve never been to heaven, and thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go,” he once said. “I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”

Zoeller’s 1984 US Open win over Norman became a memorable chapter in golf history, though he later joked he wished he still had the towel he waved that day.

“If you happen to see a grungy white towel hanging around, get it for me, will you?” he said.

Image: X/ PGA Tour