"I got death threats against me" – When Fuzzy Zoeller called the Tiger Woods controversy 'the worst thing' he went through in his life

Veteran golfer Fuzzy Zoeller has passed away at the age of 74. In his long career, he won multiple titles, but his career also witnessed controversy regarding Tiger Woods.

In 1997, Tiger Woods won his first major championship at the Masters Tournament. The then 21-year-old golfer smashed records at Augusta by posting a whopping 12-stroke win over Tom Kite. While he received praise from everyone, including Zoeller, the veteran made some comments that haunted him for the rest of his life.

When asked about Tiger Woods' epic Masters win, Fuzzy Zoeller said,

"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 to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?" he said, "Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

The insensitive racial remark led to universal criticism for Zoeller, and he never came out from its shadow for the rest of his life. During a 2008 Golf Digest interview, he opened up about what he went through.

"It's been terrible, the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life," he said. "What happened to me as a result? I got death threats against me, Diane, my kids. Even threats against the house. I received hundreds of terrible letters, almost all of them anonymous, and they're still coming. I got one this morning. It's been more than nine years now, and it still hasn't blown over."

"If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I'm here to tell you they got their way. I've cried many times. I've apologized 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 color, who will attest to that. Still, I've come to terms with the fact that this incident will never, ever go away," he added.

---

Did Tiger Woods ever forgive Fuzzy Zoeller?

While Fuzzy Zoeller continued to get criticism for his insensitive comments, Tiger Woods forgave him a few weeks later.

"At first, I was shocked to hear that Fuzzy Zoeller made these unfortunate remarks,'' he said as per the Roanoke Times. "His attempt at humor was out of bounds, and I was disappointed by it. "But having played golf with Fuzzy, I know he is a jokester, and I have concluded that no personal animosity toward me was intended.''

Outside the controversy, Fuzzy Zoeller had a memorable career where he won 10 titles on the PGA Tour, including two majors. He became the first golfer since Gene Sarazen to win the Masters Tournament on his debut in 1979. He also won the U.S. Open, as well as the Senior PGA Championship.