Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time major championship winner and one of golf’s most colorful characters, has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by a close colleague. The cause of death is currently unknown. Brian Naugle, tournament director of the Insperity Invitational in Houston, announced that he received a call from Zoeller’s daughter on Thursday about the news.

In a statement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed the tour’s sorrow regarding Zoeller’s passing. “Fuzzy was a true original whose charisma and talent greatly impacted the sport of golf. We honor his remarkable legacy and convey our sincere sympathies to his family.”

Zoeller made history as the last golfer to win the Masters on his initial attempt, clinching a playoff victory in 1979. He rose to fame for waving a white towel at Winged Foot during the 1984 U.S. Open when he believed he had been defeated by Greg Norman, later winning against Norman in an 18-hole playoff.

However, an occurrence at the 1997 Masters would stain his legacy. While Tiger Woods was making history with his commanding performance, media passed Zoeller a microphone. His remarks, which included a racial joke about Woods served during the Champions Dinner at the Masters, haunted him for years:

“That little boy is driving well, and he’s putting well. He’s doing everything it takes to win… tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it?”

Those comments prompted regret later, and Zoeller stated in Golf Digest that the backlash was the most challenging experience in his life, describing it as receiving death threats over comments made in jest. He stated, “The worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life” and reflected on the emotional turmoil it caused him, reiterating his apologies and his relationships with friends of diverse backgrounds.

Zoeller was born Frank Urban Zoeller Jr. in New Albany, Indiana.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.