Payne Stewart Award: From Arnie Palmer to Ernie Els

2003 Winner Tom Watson

2003: Tom Watson

Tom Watson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988. His 39 PGA Tour victories helped get him there. Watson won 8 majors as a professional, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest links players of all time. His 5 victories at the Open Championship support that claim!

Watson’s long time caddy, Bruce Edwards, died from what’s commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS in 2004. Since then, Watson has devoted his time, money and effort to keeping his friend alive in spirit.

The Bruce Edwards Foundation for ALS works at finding a cure for the deadly disease. Watson also supports the Robert Packard Foundation for ALS Research. The group is run out of Johns Hopkins University and is the only international scientific operation dedicated solely to Lou Gehrig’s Disease research.

Next: 2002, Nick Price