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Reactions: Remembering Stewart Users fondly recall Payne Stewart's legacy, personal stylePosted: Monday October 25, 1999 07:08 PM
CNN/SI users responded powerfully to professional golfer Payne Stewart's fatal plane crash on Monday, sharing their memories of Stewart's victories with us. Thanks to all who submitted their thoughts. Some of the most interesting responses follow:
The death of Payne Stewart is a tremendous loss to the golf world and to the sporting world at large. Mr. Stewart was not only a great golfer, but a true gentleman. His contagious enthusiasm for the game will be missed by all that follow golf. The determination and persistence he demonstrated in returning to the forefront of the professional golf tour is admirable and commendable. He will be missed.
Payne Stewart was a tremendous inspiration to my son, Greg, and I'm sure this tragedy will be felt by him for years to come. Greg's admiration of Payne never waivered even during the slump years after 1993. The manner in which Payne conducted himself was something his family can hopefully draw strength from during this time of grief. To lose "the squire" Gene Sarazen and now Payne within such a short period of time is devastating to anyone who has a love of the game.
For a guy who was unfairly labeled as a golfer who couldn't win under pressure most of his career, his golf legacy will be the final day of the 1999 U.S. Open, when he put together quite possibly the greatest finishing string of long-distance, pressure putts in the history of the tournament, one-putting 16, 17, and 18, from 15-25 feet each, to win the Championship.
My deepest sympathy goes out to his friends, family, and most of all his wife and two children. I have only lost an idol, they have lost much, much more. Please, let God bless them. He was all the things, golfer, patriot, role model, husband, and a father, but he will be remembered by me as just a great guy. The kind of guy anyone would like as a friend.
Payne Stewart will be remembered as a gentleman of the game. His emotion and dedication to the sport were never in question and his spirit and faith will persevere. This is a tragic day for all those who love the game of golf. Whether you liked him or not you had to admire his competitiveness and the skills he brought to the course. Our prayers are with his family and friends.
Payne Stewart will be remembered as a great golfer, but I look at his wife and daughter and can't imagine the hurt that they are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
I remember watching the U.S. Open with Payne Stewart and Phil Mickelson as they were going down to the wire. After Payne won the tournament, he approached Phil Mickelson and referred to the upcoming birth of the Mickelson baby and whispered in Mickelson's ear "that being a father is the most wonderful experience". I was very touched by this, as most "winners" would be relishing the moment for their own accomplishments. I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of Payne Stewart, and offer my sincere condolences to his family. What a sad day for the PGA.
What a heart-wrenching day! How could this happen? I like a lot of people did not care for Payne's attitude early in his career, but in recent years I have grown to admire his spirit and confidence. When he lost the Open last year, I truly felt for him and could not have been happier when he won this year. Without that spirit and confidence, he would have had a hard time recovering from the previous year's loss. I think the world not only lost a fine golfer today but a fine person as well.
What a shame to loose such a sportsman just as he had gotten his game and life in order. His victory at the US Open and the Ryder Cup showed his competitive spirit. As one of the truly "unique" personalities it is a loss for every golf fan around the world.
Payne's trademark knickers and cap might have been his only legacy had he not backed up his flamboyant attire with some spectacular golf. His victory at this year's U.S. Open was part of one of the most riveting finishes ever to a major. It is fitting then that his winning putt can stand as his true trademark.
Man, it just isn't fair. The guy finally wins when winning the big tourneys eluded him so much, and to have this happen. Payne Stewart was a stand up guy who in his game and attire marched to his own drum and had throngs of fans (myself included) marching with him ever since. Godspeed, Rest in Peace.
I cannot believe this has happened. My words cannot express my sadness and my despair. My hero, my kids hero. He stood amongst the giants in golf but he was always seen. Maybe it was the clothes. Maybe it was his genuine smile. Perhaps it was both. Unique, genuine, a common man, a blue-collar worker. Extremely talented and a fierce competitor. Goodbye Payne.
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