Tip of the hat to Payne Stewart, 10 years later

Written by: Tony Korologos | Sunday, October 25th, 2009
Categories: Golf Videos • Life • Miscellaneous • PGA Tour
Tags: Payne Stewart

I wish I could have spent a few hours writing up a great tribute to Payne Stewart, one which would do him justice.

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of his death in that strange accident on that private plane. I just spent a few minutes explaining to my lady who Payne Stewart was and darn near started crying as I showed her pictures of his fist pump and some youtube videos of him. I was especially somber when I told her about his 1999 U.S. OPEN win when he beat Phil Mickelson, then cupped Phil’s face in his hands and told him “you’re going to be a father.” Tissue please. Wow.

It would have been so great for Payne’s life and career to continue, rather than ending so suddenly. It would have been great to see how many more major championships he would have recorded in the last 10 years, and how many times he would have gone head to head with Tiger Woods. I doubt he would have succumbed to that fear other players had when they play against TW.

Hats off to you Payne. Thanks for the memories.