PAUL Azinger, a 12-time PGA Tour winner and 1993 PGA Champion, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Payne Stewart Award, an honor he considers the greatest of his career.
This award, established in 2000, a year after Stewart’s tragic death in a plane crash, recognizes a golfer who embodies Stewart’s character, sportsmanship, and charitable commitment.
Azinger, a close friend of Stewart, expressed deep humility, stating, “To be named the recipient of this award, representing my dearest friend, is one of the proudest moments in my life.” The award ceremony will be televised live from Atlanta during the Tour Championship on Aug. 19.
Beyond his playing career, Azinger is renowned for his role in reshaping the Ryder Cup qualification system, leading the American team to a rare victory over Europe in 2008. He now serves as a television analyst for the PGA Tour Champions.
His charitable efforts, particularly the Azinger Family Compassion Center, opened with his wife Toni in 2021 to support vulnerable families in Manatee County, Florida, align perfectly with the award’s criteria.
/ FROM THE WIRES