Fuzzy Zoeller made a racially insensitive “joke” about Tiger Woods during the 1997 Masters, when Woods was on his way to winning his first green jacket. Commenting on what Woods might serve at the following year’s Champions Dinner, Zoeller said reporters should congratulate Woods and “tell him not to serve fried chicken next year,” then added a remark about “collard greens or whatever they serve” as he walked away.

Context of the remark

The comments played on long‑standing racist stereotypes about Black people and food, which is why they drew immediate and sustained criticism once they aired. The incident overshadowed much of Zoeller’s later career, costing him sponsors and becoming a frequent reference point any time similar remarks surfaced in golf.

Aftermath and Zoeller’s response

Zoeller later apologized publicly, calling it a joke that went bad and saying he had “paid his dues” for the mistake. In later interviews and a 2008 article, he said the controversy brought years of death threats and described it as the worst experience of his life, though the remark has continued to define his public legacy.