[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 149 (Thursday, October 28, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PAYNE STEWART TRIBUTE

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, Monday was a tragic day for golf fans 
across the country, and especially for folks in my home town of 
Springfield, MO--the town where pro golfer Payne Stewart was born and 
raised. Today, we mourn the loss of Payne, who lost his life Monday in 
a plane crash. I rise to express my sympathy to Payne's family and 
loved ones, and to the families of the other individuals who lost their 
lives Monday: Robert Fraley, Van Ardan, Michael King, and Stephanie 
Bellegarrigue.
  I would also like to take a moment to remember Payne Stewart, a man 
whose personality, talents, and faith are an inspiration to us.
  From his early years, Payne distinguished himself as not only a 
golfer, but as an all-around athlete. One of my staff members from 
Springfield remembers tagging along as a six year-old little sister 
with her father, her brother, Payne, and his father on a road trip to 
Kansas City, where the boys competed in the state's annual Pass, Punt, 
and Kick contest. She also recalls the countless hours her brother was 
gone during the summers, playing golf--often times with Payne.
  In high school, Payne excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, 
and of course, golf, at Greenwood High School, where he graduated in 
1975. Payne then attended Southern Methodist University, where he won 
the Southwestern Conference Golf Championship and was named an All-
American.
  Payne turned professional in 1981 and embarked upon what would be a 
highly successful career.
  Payne's flare for style and individualism soon made him one of the 
most recognizable golfers on the PGA tour, with his now-trademark 
knickers, long colorful socks, and coordinating hat.
  But Payne's attire on the golf course was not the only thing that 
distinguished him among his colleagues. Overall, Payne won 11 PGA Tour 
titles, including three major championships: the PGA in 1989, the U.S. 
Open in 1991, and the U.S. Open again in June of this year. He was on 
five Ryder Cup teams and won three consecutive Skins Games. He was 
inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year.
  In what is now known as his final U.S. Open appearance, Stewart 
finished his last U.S. Open round by sinking the longest winning putt 
ever to win the most heralded American tournament. While Stewart always 
will be remembered for this clutch putt to win the 1999 U.S. Open, what 
he did one month later during the Ryder Cup competition speaks to his 
character. After a miraculous final day comeback by the American team, 
Stewart's opponent, Colin Montgomerie, faced a ten foot putt to win the 
individual match on the final hole. Although the American team already 
had assured itself a victory, a tie with Europe's top player would have 
been a tremendous individual feat for Stewart. Instead of making 
Montgomerie attempt the putt, Stewart told his opponent to ``pick it 
up,'' conceding the putt and ensuring his own defeat. Stewart's 
justification for his action was that Montgomerie had been heckled all 
day by the American fans and he did not want to put his opponent 
through that if he missed.
  Payne Stewart, who became a world-famous golfer, continued to be a 
home-town boy from the Ozarks after his success. Although Orlando had 
become his official home, Payne still liked to come back home to 
Springfield to spend time with family and friends. Those close to him 
say that when he came home, Payne didn't act like a celebrity, but 
rather more like ``everyday people.''
  There are many words that have been used to describe Payne Stewart. 
Fun-loving and generous. Highly competitive. Yet Payne was also very 
much of a family man.
  Payne was always close to his father, Bill. The father and son tandem 
shared the unique distinction of winning dual amateur championships, 
the Missouri Amateur and the Missouri Senior Amateur in 1979. After his 
father had died of cancer in1985, Payne donated his entire $108,000 in 
winnings from the 1987 Bay Hill Classic to a Florida hospital. Mr. 
President, I, too, had a father who had a major impact on my life, and 
I was touched by the reflections I heard Payne share about his father.
  Payne was also recently described by the Springfield News-Leader as 
the ``consummate family man who was as thrilled with picking up 
daughter Chelsea [13] and son Aaron [10] from school, or shuttling them 
back and forth to ball games, activities, etc., as he was picking up a 
first-place check.'' Friends say that Payne believed that family time 
with his children and his wife Tracey was the most important thing in 
his life, even if it meant canceling a tournament appearance.
  In the last year or so, Payne Stewart characterized himself as an 
increasingly religious man. He said that watching his children grow up 
further strengthened his faith. Payne also attributed his success to 
his faith. In fact, he publicly credited this faith with giving him the 
strength to sink the winning 15-foot putt at this year's U.S. Open this 
June. A close friend, reflecting Monday on Payne's death, said, ``Later 
on, coming to know the Lord, he was attributing his success, his 
talents and his blessing--he attributed it all and gave glory to Jesus 
Christ.''
  Mr. President, while it is painful to see someone in the prime of his 
career have his life cut short by tragedy, it is also encouraging to 
remember someone whose life has inspired us--through both his talents 
as a golf champion and through his commitment to faith and family. 
Today we remember Payne Stewart--a local hero from the Ozarks--a 
champion and a competitor, and we convey our thoughts and prayers to 
his family and loved ones during this time of grief. I also want to 
express condolences to the families and friends of those who perished 
with Payne, Robert Fraley, Van Ardan, Michael King, and Stephanie 
Bellegarrigue.

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