Payne Stewart Award: From Arnie Palmer to Ernie Els

May 31, 2015; Irving, TX, USA; Bronze sculpture of golf legend Byron Nelson by artist Robert Summers at the AT&T Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons Resort – Las Colinas. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

2000: Byron Nelson

The first year of the Payne Stewart Award saw three men share the honor, all of whom contributed to the charity and class that make the game of golf so special. Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer all embody what’s good about the game we love.

Byron Nelson has been described by those who knew him best as a “true gentleman,” a distinction every man should live by. Nelson’s name lives on even after his death in September of 2006 at the age of 94. Nelson’s playing career saw one of, if not the most, incredible seasons on the PGA Tour. In 1945, Nelson won an astonishing 18 tournaments, including a stretch of 11 consecutive victories. His 52 tour wins were accompanied by 5 major championships.

After Nelson passed away, then President George W. Bush awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal. The honor is the highest award given by the legislative branch of the U.S. Government.

The Byron Nelson Championship, a PGA Tour event in Nelson’s honor, has become the most successful charitable tournament on tour. With help from the Salesman Club of Dallas, the tournament has generated $137 million to benefits youths and their families in the North Texas area.

Next: 2000, Jack Nicklaus