Professional golf has lost one of its most celebrated figures with the passing of Frank Urban "Fuzzy" Zoeller at 74 years old.
The American golfer, who captured ten victories on the PGA Tour during his distinguished career, died on Thursday.
Zoeller secured his place in golfing history by claiming two major championships.
His remarkable achievements included triumphs at Augusta National in 1979 and Winged Foot five years later.
Fuzzy Zoeller has died at the age of 74 as tributes have poured in
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The Indiana-born golfer's daughter informed tournament officials of his passing, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.
Zoeller's career spanned decades and established him as one of the sport's most recognisable personalities.
Zoeller's maiden appearance at the Masters in 1979 resulted in an extraordinary victory, making him the first player since Gene Sarazen in 1935 to capture the green jacket on debut.
He remains the most recent golfer to accomplish this remarkable feat.
Former Masters and US Open winner Fuzzy Zoeller was called 'one of a kind'
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The triumph came after a dramatic playoff against Tom Watson and Ed Sneed. Zoeller sealed his victory with an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole.
His second major championship arrived at the 1984 US Open, where he dominated an 18-hole playoff against Greg Norman.
Zoeller's three-under-par final round secured an emphatic eight-stroke margin of victory at Winged Foot.
The United States Golf Association paid tribute to Zoeller's legacy through chief executive Mike Whan. "Fuzzy was one of a kind," Whan stated. "We are grateful for all he gave to golf. I hope we can all remember his unmistakable joy. The USGA is sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Zoeller's philosophy towards the game was characterised by fearlessness. "I'm not scared to screw up," he once reflected. "Too many of these kids today are afraid they're going to screw up. You can't play this game scared."
Fuzzy Zoeller won The Masters in 1979, doing so on his Augusta debut
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His approach to golf embodied both skill and an infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to fans worldwide.
Zoeller leaves behind his wife Diane and their four children: Sunny, Heidi, Gretchen and Miles. The family also includes several grandchildren who survive the golfing icon.
His legacy extends beyond his tournament victories. Zoeller's 1979 Masters triumph ensures his permanent place in Augusta National's record books as the last player to claim victory on their inaugural appearance at the tournament.
The achievement stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and remains unmatched after more than four decades. His passing marks the end of an era for American golf, leaving behind memories of a player who brought both skill and character to the sport.