Payne Stewart Award: From Arnie Palmer to Ernie Els

In 1999, the golf world lost one of its favorite sons when Payne Stewart died tragically in a plane crash. The private jet Stewart was aboard lost cabin pressure, incapacitating the pilot and resulting in the plane crashing in a field in South Dakota. Stewart was en route to Houston, Texas for the Tour Championship before his untimely death.

Jun 11, 2014; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Statue of Payne Stewart during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

The 3-time major champion was well liked amongst his peers, fans and the media alike. Stewart was notorious for his outlandish dressing attire, a throwback to the traditional garb of the game. His short pants were accompanied by one of the smoothest swings the game has ever seen.

Following his death, The PGA Tour teamed with Southern Company to develop the Payne Stewart Award. The award is given annually to a golfer, past or present, who exemplifies character, charity and sportsmanship throughout their career. Aside from the inaugural year in 2000, the award is given to one player, and the PGA Tour donates $300,000 to charities.

Enjoy this look back on the golfers who’ve been recognized with this singular honor, beginning with The Big Easy.

Next: 2015, Ernie Els