A Tribute to Payne Stewart (1957 - 1999)

William Payne Stewart was a professional golfer, winner of three major championships - the U.S. Open in 1999 and 1991 and the 1989 PGA Championship - and winner of sixteen other golf titles around the world. Stewart first distinguished himself in golf in 1979 when he was named a collegiate All-American at Southern Methodist University. Since that time, Stewart’s record ranked him third on the all-time PGA Tour Money List. He was fiercely patriotic and very proud to represent the United States on five Ryder Cup teams (1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1999), hoping to be selected as team captain at some point in the future.

Stewart’s classic swing and his unique fashion statements made him instantly recognizable on the golf course, but he was much more that the public persona of knickers and a jaunty cap. He was a kind, gracious and generous man, donating his time and money to numerous charitable endeavors. He was also a devoted and loving husband, father and son. Stewart’s late father, Bill, instilled in Payne a love for the game of golf and the importance of respect and commitment. Those lessons served Payne Stewart well, both on and off the course.

Payne Stewart first visited Waterville with friends from the PGA Tour in 1998 to begin preparation for the British Open. He returned again in 1999 and joined the membership of Waterville Golf Club. Later that year during the Ryder Cup he accepted the Honorary Captaincy of the Club for the year 2000 - the final golf title of his distinguished career.

With this dedication Payne Stewart becomes part of Ireland and an adopted son of Waterville - a mystical place in the Kingdom of Kerry.