On the 25th anniversary of his death, Payne Stewart’s family seeks fan memories

Twenty-five years ago this month, golf lost a legend and a family lost much more.

In the quarter-century since Payne Stewart’s death in a plane crash, his family — led by his wife, Tracey, daughter Chelsea and son Aaron — have worked resolutely to keep his memory alive. Those efforts have given rise to a charitable organization (the Payne Stewart Family Foundation); an annual honor (the Payne Stewart Award); children’s camps; various golf ventures and, most recently, the Payne Stewart Collection of apparel, meant to celebrate his striking fashion sense.

In that regard, there’s a lot to celebrate.

As Stewart’s friend David Feherty has put it, Stewart was a superb player, but his “game was eclipsed by his style, flair and ability to fully embrace life.”

Regardless of whether they ever got a chance to watch him compete in person, many fans have vivid recollections of Stewart. He left an impression. The stories are legends. And to help preserve them, the Stewart family is inviting anyone who was inspired by him to share their memory of him on the Collection website in a special “Fist Pump Memory Book.” Fans are also encouraged to post photos, videos and other reminiscences on their own social media platforms and tag @PayneStewartCollection. 

In return, the Payne Stewart Collection will be randomly awarding $200 gift certificates to 25 recipients.

Throughout October, the Collection will also be offering a 25-percent discount on all web purchases. A portion of those sales will be donated to the Payne Stewart Family Foundation, which supports organizations that provide educational opportunities, sports programs and other related activities to underserved kids.

Not forgotten in this month’s tributes are the names of those who perished on Stewart’s flight, on Oct. 25, 1999: Robert Fraley, Van Ardan, Bruce Borland, and pilots Michael Kling and Stephanie Bellegarrigue. 

For more information on the “Fist Pump Memory Book,” visit paynestewartcollection.com.