Payne Stewart
Payne Stewart was an accomplished American professional golfer, born on January 30, 1957, in Springfield, Missouri. He began playing golf at a young age, inspired by his father's passion for the sport. Stewart demonstrated significant athletic talent in his youth, excelling in various sports, but ultimately dedicated himself to golf. After earning a golf scholarship to Southern Methodist University, he honed his skills and won several tournaments, eventually turning professional.
Though his early attempts to secure a PGA Tour card were initially unsuccessful, Stewart's perseverance paid off when he earned his card in 1981. He became known for his distinctive style, often wearing knickers and a tam-o'-shanter while playing, which endeared him to fans. Over his career, he earned a reputation for his emotional openness, strong faith, and family values. Despite facing challenges, including a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, Stewart achieved significant success, winning multiple major championships, including the U.S. Open twice. Tragically, his life was cut short when he died in a plane crash on October 25, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of charisma and talent in the world of golf.
Payne Stewart
Golfer
- Born: January 30, 1957
- Birthplace: Springfield, Missouri
- Died: October 25, 1999
- Place of death: Mina, South Dakota
Sport: Golf
Early Life
William Payne Stewart was born on January 30, 1957, to William Louis Stewart and Bee Payne Stewart in Springfield, Missouri. The youngest of three children, Payne showed more interest than his sisters in following his father’s footsteps on the golf course. He received his first set of golf clubs, when he was four, from his father, who was an accomplished amateur golfer.
The Road to Excellence
Payne was an all-around athlete while growing up. He played Little League baseball, basketball, and football. His main interest, however, remained golf. By junior high he had won several local tournaments.
In his freshman year of high school, Payne joined the golf team. Early evidence indicated that golf was Payne’s best sport. He had a natural, fluid motion in his swing. By the end of his freshman year, Payne and his father had established a plan. He was going to play golf professionally.
During breaks from school, Payne and his father often played at Hickory Hills Country Club. They also matched Payne’s extraordinary golfing ability against other players. At this time, Payne honed his competitive edge. He learned that if you play well, you get paid. If you do not, you go home with nothing.
Payne was offered a golf scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Texas. At SMU, he majored in business. During his senior year, Payne won three tournaments. After graduation, he won the Missouri state amateur title.
The Emerging Champion
After graduating from SMU in 1979, Payne played in the PGA Tour Qualifying School, attempting to earn his PGA Tour card, which would allow him to compete with professionals. However, Payne did not make the cut. Realizing that he had to do something to earn money while he waited for his next chance at the school, Payne got a job at a local department store. This type of work was not for him, so Payne took the advice of a friend and joined the eleven-event Asian Golf Tour, playing throughout Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and India. His father and five other men formed a partnership to sponsor Payne on the tour.
During the tour, Payne sharpened his skills, made lasting friendships, and developed a reputation as a prankster. He also learned that the game was not about perfection, it was about getting the job done.
In 1980, Payne tried for the PGA Tour card a second time but again missed the cut. Undaunted, he continued playing abroad. Finally, in 1981, Payne earned his tour card. Having won the Indian Open and the Indonesian Open, Payne was invited to play in the British Open that same year. He finished last.
Continuing the Story
During the 1980’s, the PGA Tour had a qualifying system in which members had to qualify on Monday in order to play each week. Payne did not pass a Monday qualifier until March of 1982. In April of 1982, he won his first PGA tournament at the Magnolia Classic in Mississippi. However, since the match was played at the same time as The Masters in Georgia, this did not count as a win for Payne.
About this time, Payne developed his unique style of dress on the links. He often wore knickers, knee socks, and a tam-o’-shanter while playing. He received a lot of ribbing from his fellow golfers, but positive response from the fans and media. Even his game benefited. “When I put my work clothes on,” he once said, “I get all fired up.” It may have been a coincidence, but that year Payne won his first official PGA tournament, at the Quad Cities Open in Illinois, wearing his trademark outfit.
Payne played well over the next several years, finishing second in six PGA tournament events in 1984. In 1986, he earned sixteen top-ten finishes, a PGA Tour record at the time. Although Payne was playing well, he was not winning. In 1984 and 1986, he set records for the most money ever won without winning a tournament. He came back in 1987, winning the Hertz Bay Hill Classic in Orlando, his hometown.
In 1988, Payne continued to play well but still was not winning. On the advice of a good friend, he visited a sports psychologist. The doctor noticed that Payne was having difficulty focusing on anything for too long. Payne was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. He tried taking prescription drugs, but they did not work for him. Instead, he and his coaches developed a routine to help him focus on the easier, mundane shots.
By 1989, Payne was affectionately known as “the best player never to have won a major.” Determined to shake this unofficial title, Payne won the PGA Championship that year—his first major. He then went on to win the U.S. Open at Hazeltine in 1991.
The highlight of Payne’s career came in 1999, when he once again won the U.S. Open. Also important to Payne were his five chances to play in the Ryder’s Cup, the biannual tournament pitting the best golfers in the United States against those from Europe.
At the request of a longtime friend, Payne became involved in planning golf courses. During a trip to Dallas to visit a new course, the plane Payne was on crashed in Mina, South Dakota, on October 25, 1999.
Summary
Payne Stewart was spontaneous, outspoken, charitable, and extremely confident, and he always wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was never afraid to shed a tear of joy, or sadness, in front of others. He was also a devoted son, husband, and father. Payne always considered his ability to play golf a God-given talent and was not ashamed to proclaim his faith in public. His strong family life, along with his faith in God, were what kept him going through the ups and downs of life as a professional golfer.
Bibliography
Arkush, Michael. I Remember Payne Stewart. Nashville, Tenn.: Cumberland House, 2000.
Chastain, Bill. Payne at Pinehurst: The Greatest U.S. Open Ever. New York: Griffin, 2005.
Guest, Larry. The Payne Stewart Story. Kansas, Mo.: Andrews McMeel, 2002.
McNew, Monte. Golf in the Ozarks. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia, 2006.
Stewart, Tracey. Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography. Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman and Holman, 2000.