42 days until golf: Remembering the late Payne Stewart
The PGA Tour plans to restart its season June 11 after halting due to the coronavirus pandemic. Each day until then, we'll highlight key moments, people, or facts relating to where we are in the countdown.
Four months after winning the 1999 U.S. Open in dramatic fashion, Payne Stewart died in a tragic plane crash at the age of 42.
Stewart, who will always be remembered for his old school outfits that included knickerbockers and a flat cap, was an 11-time PGA Tour winner and a three-time major champion.
He won the 1989 PGA Championship and 1991 U.S. Open before defeating Phil Mickelson on the final hole at Pinehurst No. 2 to claim his second national title.
Payne Stewart knew how to close out championships.
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) October 25, 2016
Today marks 17 years since the tragic loss of one of golf's greats. pic.twitter.com/UnhM0XZnsb
His famous fist pump on the 18th green at Pinehurst was immortalized with a statue at the North Carolina venue, where the U.S. Open will return to in 2024.
In addition to his success as an individual, Stewart was a member of five U.S. Ryder Cup teams with wins coming in 1991, 1993, and 1999. His final Ryder Cup was only a month prior to his death.
For a portion of his career, Stewart took on a rare sponsorship with the NFL. He wore team colors typically related to the geographic location of the weekly tournament, such as this incredible Miami Dolphins outfit in 1991.
The PGA Tour created the "Payne Stewart Award" in 2000, which is awarded each year to the player who "best exemplifies Stewart’s steadfast values of character, charity, and sportsmanship." Past recipients include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ernie Els, and Jim Furyk.
Stewart was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.