Which golfer is the Payne Stewart Award named after?

The Payne Stewart Award is named after golfer Payne Stewart.

The PGA Tour created the award in 2000, shortly after Stewart’s death in a plane accident in October 1999. It honors a player whose character, charity and sportsmanship reflect Stewart’s example, including respect for golf’s traditions and a professional approach to the game.

Stewart was known for his distinctive knickerbockers, colorful outfits and expressive personality, but his legacy went well beyond appearance. He won 11 PGA Tour events and three major championships: the 1989 PGA Championship and the 1991 and 1999 U.S. Opens. His final major victory came only months before his death.

The award is presented during the week of the Tour Championship. It is sometimes confused with awards named for other legendary golfers, such as the Byron Nelson Award or the Arnold Palmer Award, but those recognize different achievements and are not named for Stewart.