Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major champion who faced a backlash for a racist joke he made about Tiger Woods at the 1997 Masters, has died at the age of 74, the PGA Tour said on Thursday.

Zoeller, the last golfer to win the Masters at his first attempt after prevailing in a three-man playoff in 1979, was a gallery favourite during his playing days due to his humour and relaxed approach to the game. He went on to win a second major at the 1984 U.S. Open where he beat Greg Norman in a playoff at Winged Foot.

He finished his career with 10 PGA Tour wins and two titles on the PGA Tour Champions.

"Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. "Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a se

See Full Page