NBC special celebrates life, legend of Payne Stewart

text size

ATLANTA -- A champion in the truest sense of the word, both inside and outside the ropes, Payne Stewart possessed all of the positive characteristics that distinguish the game of golf: Honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.

An 11-time PGA TOUR winner and three-time major champion, as well as a devoted husband and father, Payne Stewart tragically passed away 10 years ago this year. To celebrate his life and legacy through the eyes and words of those who knew him best, NBC Sports will air a one-hour special, "Remembering Payne, presented by Southern Company," on Sept. 20 from 1-2 p.m.

Badz/PGA TOUR

Last year's recipient of the Payne Stewart Award was Davis Love III.

RELATED LINKS

Love wins 2008 award
Video: Why Love won
Video: Past recipients

Just four months removed from winning his second U.S. Open, a title he clinched by one shot over Phil Mickelson by holing the longest putt ever to decide a U.S. Open on the 72nd hole, Stewart lost his life in a plane crash while traveling to THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. The family he left behind, wife Tracey and two children, daughter Chelsea and son Aaron, are truly his greatest legacy.

"Remembering Payne presented by Southern Company," produced by PGA TOUR Productions, will offer the viewer a snapshot of Payne Stewart -- the husband and father -- through poignant interviews with all three.

The game of golf was the medium Stewart used to affect millions of lives throughout the United States and around the world. In 18 years on the PGA TOUR, Stewart won 11 times, including three major championships, and was a member of five U.S. Ryder Cup teams. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001, Stewart carried himself with a recognizable style and grace on the golf course. Through a series of interviews with various players, golf writers and broadcasters, "Remembering Payne presented by Southern Company" will reminisce on his greatest accomplishments.

The PGA TOUR will award the 10th Payne Stewart Award later this month at THE TOUR Championship, given each year to a player who shows respect for the traditions of the game, commitment to uphold the game's heritage of charitable support and professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through dress and conduct. Since the award's inception, it has been accompanied by an annual Payne Stewart Award Grant presented by Southern Company.

"Remembering Payne presented by Southern Company" will pay tribute to the award and the charitable efforts of Southern Company, providing another example of how Stewart continues to affect lives positively.

The inaugural Payne Stewart Award was presented in 2000 to Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Ben Crenshaw was the 2001 recipient, followed by Nick Price in 2002, Tom Watson in 2003, Jay Haas in 2004, Brad Faxon in 2005, Gary Player in 2006, Hal Sutton in 2007 and Davis Love III in 2008.

In addition to a sculpture presented to the recipient, the Payne Stewart Award is accompanied by an annual Payne Stewart Award Grant presented by Southern Company. The $300,000 supports several initiatives in Stewart's name and is distributed as follows: $100,000 to Payne and Tracey Stewart's primary charity, The Stewart Family Foundation; $100,000 in Stewart's honor to The First Tee of the Ozarks in Missouri at Kids Across America, which is affiliated with Kanakuk Kamps; and $100,000 to a charity designated by the winner.

This year's award will be announced and presented during THE TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sept. 22.

Since 1998, THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola has donated more than $9 million to a variety of local and national charities -- including $1.4 million in 2008 alone. Primary beneficiaries are the East Lake Foundation and The First Tee. Founded in 1995 on the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, the East Lake Foundation collaborates with public and private organizations to offer Atlanta's East Lake residents opportunities to build a better future through education for children and adults, affordable housing and connections with the broader community. Other cities seeking to transform their neighborhoods are turning to the Foundation for best practices.