2007 Payne Stewart Award
2007 Winner: Hal Sutton
Hal Sutton, who has combined an impressive PGA TOUR playing record with significant charitable endeavors, has been named the 2007 winner of the Payne Stewart Award.
The award is named for the World Golf Hall of Fame member and 11-time PGA TOUR winner who died the week of THE TOUR Championship in 1999. It was created by the PGA TOUR Policy Board to perpetuate his memory by annually honoring a player who reflects Stewart's respect for the traditions of the game, his commitment to uphold the game's heritage of charitable support and his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct.
A member of the TOUR since 1982 and former Policy Board member, Sutton has 14 victories to his credit, including two PLAYERS Championships and the 1983 PGA Championship. He also served as captain for the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup team, for which he also has played four times.
Sutton's Charitable Efforts
Sutton's charitable efforts include the establishment of the Christus Schumpert Sutton Children's Hospital in his hometown of Shreveport, LA, and teaming with Louisianans Kelly Gibson and David Toms to raise more than $2 million in aid to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita victims. Sutton was awarded the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award in 2004 and the Golf Writers Association of America's 2006 Charlie Bartlett Award with Gibson and Toms for their relief efforts.
Previous Winners
Sutton becomes the 10th recipient of the award. The inaugural Payne Stewart Award was presented in 2000 to Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Ben Crenshaw was the 2001 recipient, followed by Nick Price (2002), Tom Watson (2003), Jay Haas (2004), Brad Faxon (2005) and Gary Player (2006).
Award Grants
In addition to a sculpture presented to the recipient, the Payne Stewart Award is accompanied by an annual Payne Stewart Award Grant presented by Southern Company. The $300,000 grant will support several initiatives in Stewart's name and be distributed as follows: $100,000 to Payne and Tracey Stewart's primary charity, The Stewart Family Foundation; $100,000 in Stewart's honor to The First Tee facility in Missouri, located at Camp Kanakuk, which is affiliated with the "Kids Across America" program; and $100,000 to a charity designated by Sutton.