Synopsis
I Remember Payne Stewart: Personal Memories of Golf's Most Dapper Champion by the People Who Knew Him Best, written by sportswriter Michael Arkush and published in 2000, serves as an affectionate oral history celebrating the life, career, and legacy of the beloved three-time major champion. Published shortly after Stewart’s tragic death in a October 1999 plane crash, the book honors his memory through a curated collection of personal reflections, anecdotes, and tributes from those who moved within his inner circle and knew him best.
Rather than following a traditional linear biography structure, Arkush constructs the tribute around the firsthand accounts of dozens of voices, including fellow PGA Tour players, family members, caddies, media personnel, and close friends. The recollections trace Stewart's evolution from a flamboyant, high-spirited competitor—instantly recognizable for his signature ivy caps and colorful knickerbockers—into a grounded, mature sportsman and devoted family man. The contributors share candid stories covering his biggest triumphs on the course, including his dramatic 1999 U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst, alongside private moments that highlight his generosity, humor, and deepening Christian faith during his later years.
Ultimately, the book offers a poignant and multi-dimensional portrait of a golfer who left an indelible mark on the sport. By leaning into intimate personal testimonials rather than dry career statistics, Arkush highlights the warmth, charm, and complex personality that defined Stewart beyond his famous attire. It stands as both a memorial to a life cut abruptly short and a celebration of a golfer who remained one of the PGA Tour's most genuine and memorable figures.