A surge of energy swept through golf in 1997, and much of it was centered around a young champion whose performance reshaped expectations overnight. Amid the excitement, a separate moment lingered in the background, one that would gain more attention than anyone expected. Fuzzy Zoeller made racially insensitive comments about Tiger Woods during a CNN interview after Woods’ dominant 1997 Masters victory.

Zoeller suggested Woods be told not to serve fried chicken or collard greens at the upcoming year’s champions dinner. “That little boy is driving well and putting well and doing everything it takes to win. So you know what you guys do? Pat him on the back say congratulations and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year,” Zoeller had said.

The reason this became so controversial i

See Full Page