Fuzzy sounds off on Tiger, take two

NEWPORT BEACH — When Fuzzy Zoeller made comments about Tiger Woods back in 1997, they got him in trouble and he had to apologize. But the colorful Zoeller, the 1979 Masters Champion, didn’t hesitate to talk Tiger Tuesday morning on the rooftop of a hotel in Newport Beach.

Zoeller spoke in a somewhat defensive tone when he was asked to give his take on Woods, who has been rehabilitating his career since a downfall that stemmed from infidelity. Woods, a part-time Corona del Mar resident, is making his return to a routine that involves golf and fitness, according to a report from the Associated Press.

“You know what?” Zoeller said. “Tiger’s life doesn’t affect my life. I think everybody else would sleep a lot better if they wouldn’t let it affect them. What he does on his time is his business, not mine, not yours, not anybody else’s.”

Still, when the news came out of Woods’ transgressions, Zoeller believed an apology was in order. On the Champions Tour, for players 50 and over, Zoeller is famous for his quick quips and loud laugh.

Back when he made inappropriate comments about Woods in 1997, he apologized within a week, saying that his remarks were made in jest. He had told the media, “... you pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell them not to serve fried chicken next year ... or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”

Zoeller joked plenty and made people burst with laughter while participating in the Shot from the Top at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, as part of the Toshiba Classic. He said he enjoys being part of the event and that the Newport Beach stop on the Champions Tour is one of his favorites.

He did not provide any comic relief when it came to commenting about Woods.

“He could’ve put everything to sleep if he apologized a little bit earlier,” Zoeller, 58, said. “But he didn’t do it. He tried to hope everybody would forget and people don’t forget that quickly. But it’s just one of those things. He has to do it his way.”

While Woods remains amid damage control, Zoeller believes the damage has already been made. However it’s something that won’t last.

“I think it’s been terrible for the game,” Zoeller said of the Woods story. “It’s been a black mark for the game. But the game of golf will survive. It has survived a few other battles. That’s what’s great about the game.”

Zoeller, a 10-time winner on the PGA Tour, will compete in the Toshiba Classic at Newport Beach Country Club, where Woods will most likely be a hot topic. The tournament starts on Friday and runs through Sunday. In addition to promoting the tournament by taking his shot from a rooftop onto the second green, Zoeller is also scheduled to be a mentor in a junior golf clinic Saturday.

He’ll spend time Wednesday to promote his new Vodka, “Fuzzy’s,” at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa.

“They were knocking on my door for a wine,” Zoeller said smiling, referring to starting a new line of vodka. “I’m not a wine drinker. I do drink a little vodka every once in a while, every day with a ‘y’ in it.”