As the US Open 2024 approaches, The Golfing Gazette looks back and looks at the uplifting triumph of Payne Stewart in 1999, which was followed by sheer tragedy just months later.
It was the year before the new millennium, and as always, golf fans were getting excited for the 1999 US Open, set to take place at the luscious Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina – the location for the US Open 2024.
There were a number of superb golfers in the running for the coveted prize. The likes of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Vijay Singh were all present.
But one man prevailed – Stewart. His victory is remembered as one of the most dramatic and emotional finishes in golf history.
How Payne Stewart won the 1999 US Open
After a phenomenal showing throughout the entire competition, it came down to crunch time for Stewart, where he knew he’d be entering the final round tied with Mickelson. No easy feat.
After a nail-biting round of golf, it was neck and neck. The decisive moment would have to come on the 18th hole, where Stewart faced a challenging 15-foot par putt.
Mickelson had missed his birdie attempt, so if Stewart sunk his putt – he’d emerge victorious. The crowd, and Mickelson, watched with bated breath as Stewart lined up his shot.
Calmly as you like, he sank the putt, securing his second US Open title and third major championship. The stuff of legends. The victory was emotionally charged, with Stewart dedicating it to his late father, whilst also consoling Mickelson, who was expecting his first child.
It was a moment of immense happiness for Stewart, but little did he know it would be one of the last moments of unadulterated joy he would experience in his life.
Payne Stewart tragically died in a plane crash just months later
Payne Stewart tragically died in a plane crash on October 25th, 1999, just four months after his victory in North Carolina.
Stewart was traveling in a Learjet 35, a business jet, from Orlando to Dallas. A routine flight. Onboard with Stewart were five other people, including his agents Robert Fraley and Van Ardan, golf course designer Bruce Borland, and two pilots, Michael Kling and Stephanie Bellegarrigue.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced a loss of cabin pressure, which caused hypoxia, a condition resulting from insufficient oxygen. This likely incapacitated everyone on board, including the pilots. The plane continued flying on autopilot for several hours, maintaining a steady altitude and direction.
When the plane failed to respond to air traffic controllers, military fighter jets were dispatched to intercept and investigate. The pilots of these jets reported that the windows of the Learjet were frosted, meaning there had been a loss of cabin pressure, which may have very well killed all on board.
Sadly, the deaths of the passengers were all but confirmed a little later. With the military unable to intervene, the plane continued to fly on autopilot until it ran out of fuel. It eventually descended uncontrollably and crashed into a field in Mina, South Dakota. There were, unfortunately, no survivors.
Stewart’s death was a profound loss to the golf community and beyond. His memory is honored through the ‘Payne Stewart Award’, given annually by the PGA Tour to a player who exemplifies Stewart’s values of character, charity, and sportsmanship.
This year more than ever at the US Open 2024, Stewart will be remembered – with the accident occurring a quarter of a century ago now. Gone, but never forgotten. That was the tragic story of Payne Stewart.
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