In the world of golf, few names resonate with the same reverence and admiration as Payne Stewart. Nearly 25 years after his untimely death, the legacy of this golfing legend lives on through his family, the sport he adored, and the countless fans who continue to celebrate his memory.
Who Was Payne Stewart?
William Payne Stewart was an American professional golfer renowned for his distinctive style and exceptional skill on the golf course. Born in Springfield, Missouri, in 1957, Stewart’s journey to golf stardom began at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he played college golf. After graduating in 1979, he embarked on a professional career that saw him travel across Southeast Asia on the Asia Golf Circuit before making a significant impact on the PGA Tour.
Stewart’s career was marked by numerous victories, including 11 PGA Tour events and three major championships: the 1989 PGA Championship, the 1991 US Open, and the 1999 US Open. Beyond his impressive resume, Stewart was known for his unique fashion sense, often sporting patterned pants, ivy caps, bright socks, and argyle sweaters. His partnership with the NFL further influenced his wardrobe, as he wore the colors of local NFL teams during tournaments until 1995.
The Tragic Plane Crash
On October 25, 1999, the golfing world was stunned by the tragic news of Stewart’s death in a plane crash. The chartered business jet, en route from Orlando, Florida, to Dallas, Texas, lost cabin pressure early in the flight, incapacitating all six individuals on board due to hypoxia. The passengers included Stewart, his agent Robert Fraley, golf architect Bruce Borland, and others.
The plane ultimately crashed near Aberdeen, South Dakota, leaving a void in the golfing community. In the wake of the tragedy, a memorial was established at the crash site to honor the victims, including Stewart. This memorial, created with the consultation of the families, stands as a somber reminder of the lives lost that day.
Tracey Ferguson: Life After Payne
Since her husband’s death, Tracey Ferguson has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on raising their two children, Chelsea and Aaron. Ferguson, who met Stewart in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1980, is the sister of Australian professional golfer Mike Ferguson. The couple married in 1982 and built a life together centered around their family and Stewart’s illustrious golf career.
In a 2005 interview with Golf Digest, Ferguson reflected on her life after Stewart’s death. She emphasized the importance of her children during that difficult period, saying, “My life became my kids, 24/7. We had always spent time with them, both of us, but with Payne gone, I just felt the need to be with them all the time…I know it made them happy, but to be honest, I think I needed it at least as much as they did.”
Honoring Payne Stewart’s Legacy
Despite the passage of time, Stewart’s legacy continues to thrive. In 2000, the PGA Tour established the Payne Stewart Award, given annually to a player who exemplifies sportsmanship, commitment to charitable work, and respect for the traditions of golf. Stewart’s contributions to the sport were further recognized with his posthumous induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
One of the most significant tributes to Stewart’s legacy is the Payne Stewart Golf Club in Branson, Missouri, which opened in 2009 with the approval of Tracey Ferguson. This club stands as a testament to Stewart’s lasting impact on golf and his enduring influence on the sport he loved.
A Family’s Tribute
Ferguson and her children have continued to honor Stewart’s memory in their own ways. Aaron, now the Vice President of Sports Marketing at Hilton Grand Vacations, and Chelsea, have both grown up to be successful and well-respected individuals, a fact that Ferguson believes would make her late husband proud.
“My life became my kids, 24/7,” Ferguson reiterated in her interview. “I think Payne would be very proud of the way they’ve grown up and the people they’ve become.”
Conclusion
Payne Stewart’s life and career were tragically cut short, but his legacy endures through his family, the awards named in his honor, and the countless fans who remember his contributions to golf. Tracey Ferguson’s dedication to her children and her continued efforts to honor her late husband’s memory ensure that Payne Stewart’s spirit will remain a vibrant part of the golfing world for generations to come. Through the Payne Stewart Award and the Payne Stewart Golf Club, his influence continues to inspire both seasoned professionals and aspiring golfers alike.
