At the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, Payne Stewart secured his third major championship by holing a 15-foot par putt on the final hole. This victory provided a one-stroke margin over Phil Mickelson, capping a career that spanned nearly two decades and established him as a premier competitor on the international professional circuit.
Early Development and Collegiate Career
Born in 1957 in Springfield, Missouri, Stewart attended Greenwood Laboratory School. He later played collegiate golf at Southern Methodist University in Texas under the guidance of coach Earl Stewart. He was an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and completed his graduation requirements in 1979.
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After failing to secure a PGA Tour card in 1979, Stewart spent time on the Asia Golf Circuit, where he won two tournaments in 1981, including the Indonesia Open. He earned his PGA Tour status later that year. His first tour win occurred at the 1982 Quad Cities Open, a moment noted for being the only time his father, Bill, watched him win professionally.
Major Championship Success
Stewart claimed his first major at the 1989 PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes, overcoming a six-stroke deficit in the final round with a back-nine score of 31. In 1991, he defeated Scott Simpson in an 18-hole Monday playoff to win the U.S. Open at Hazeltine National Golf Club. His final major victory arrived in 1999, shortly before his death.
Style and Competitive Reputation
Distinguished by his aesthetic, Stewart frequently utilized ivy caps and patterned trousers modeled after plus fours and knickerbockers. Beyond his sartorial choices, he was recognized for a fluid, rhythmic golf swing. Throughout his career, he achieved 11 PGA Tour victories and remained a consistent presence in the Official World Golf Ranking, spending nearly 250 weeks in the top 10.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Springfield
- Died: 1999, South Dakota
- College: Southern Methodist University
- PGA Tour wins: 11
- Major championships: 3
- Education: Greenwood Laboratory School
- Honors: World Golf Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
How many majors did Payne Stewart win?
He won three major championships: the 1989 PGA Championship, the 1991 U.S. Open, and the 1999 U.S. Open.
What was the cause of Stewart's death?
He died in 1999 at the age of 42 following an airplane accident in South Dakota.
