Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography

by Ken Abraham, Tracey Stewart, Mike Hicks (Foreword)

When his life came to a sudden and tragic end on October 25, 1999, Payne Stewart was at the top of his game on every level. In June of 1999, he enjoyed the signature triumph of his career and solidified himself as one of the exemplary personalities in his profession with a victory at the U.S. Open and a place on the coveted winning U.S. Ryder Cup team. However satisfying his professional accomplishments were, it was his personal triumphs that made him stand out. Those closest to Stewart said his family and faith were what mattered most to him. At his funeral, his wife Tracey described him as a devoted husband and father and a devout Christian. She said, “After 18 years of marriage, he was still the most beautiful man I had ever seen, because of what he was on the inside.” The only authorized biography of Payne Stewart, this book was a 'New York Times' bestseller for 13 consecutive weeks.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Nonfiction, Faith, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

About the author

Ken Abraham is a New York Times best-selling author, known around the world for his collaborations with popular celebrities and fascinating, high-profile public figures. Ken worked with Lisa Beamer, widow of United Flight 93 hero, Todd Beamer to create the number one New York Times best-seller, LET'S ROLL! (Tyndale House Publishers, August, 2002), Lisa's story of hope in the midst of crisis.

Ken recently penned RACING TO WIN (Multnomah, 2002), with Joe Gibbs, former coach of the Washington Redskins and now owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, winner of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship, with driver, Tony Stewart, and the 2000 Winston Cup Championship, with Joe Gibbs driver, Bobby Labonte.

In addition, Ken wrote THE RIGHT THING (Integrity Publishers, 2003), with Scott Waddle, the former Navy commander who brought his submarine up under a Japanese fishing boat on February 8, 2001, killing nine people. Commander Waddle's insistence that he is responsible and accountable for the accident, despite evidence that proves others were at fault, surprised a world that has become accustomed to leaders attempting to deflect blame away from themselves.

Ken's collaborations have been featured on ABC-TV's "20-20," NBC-TV's "Dateline," CNN's "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America" (ABC), The CBS "Morning Show," "The Today Show" (NBC), The [former] Nashville Network, and the Family Channel.

Drug-running, catastrophic death, AIDS, cancer, spousal abuse, imprisonment, and child abandonment . . . are just a few of the tough topics about which Ken Abraham has co-written books in recent years. Said one commentator, "Ken Abraham gets more heart on paper than any co-writer in America. His books offer genuine hope for people going through the darkest of circumstances."

For instance, Ken co-authored PAYNE STEWART, THE AUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY, with Tracey Stewart. A thirteen-week New York Times bestseller, the book chronicles the life of one of the most famous professional golfers ever to grace the links. Known for his wit, charm, and sartorial splendor, including his colorful knickers and tam 'o shanter hats, Payne Stewart always left an impression. On October 25, 1999, the country watched on "live" television as Payne and five others streaked 1,400 miles across the nation in a Learjet with a dead pilot at the controls, finally crashing in a field in South Dakota. With Payne's wife, Tracey, Ken Abraham once again succeeded in telling a powerful, poignant story in a way that provides hope rather than despair.

In COMING CLEAN (WaterBrook - Doubleday- Random House), Ken's collaboration with former Medellin drug cartel leader, Jorge Valdés, provided an inside look at one of the most powerful and corrupting forces in our society-the cocaine industry and its influence on top government officials, Hollywood celebrities, as well as kids in the streets. The transformation of Jorge Valdés from the American head of the cartel to a Christian evangelist is a compelling and fascinating testimony of God's power to change anyone's life.

Ken also collaborated with professional golfer, Paul Azinger, whose rise to the top of the PGA tour, only to discover cancer in his shoulder, and his remarkable recovery and comeback are recorded in ZINGER! (Harper-Collins / Zondervan; 1995). Additionally, Ken has co-authored THE GAMER, the baseball autobiography of All-Star catcher, Gary Carter (Word Publishing).

In THE BURDEN OF A SECRET, (Random House / Ballantine, 1995), Ken collaborated with Dr. Jimmy Allen, former president of the 16-million member Southern Baptist Convention, to tell the story of Dr. Allen's family crisis as they discovered truth and mercy in the face of AIDS. The book was a finalist in the 1996 Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association's Gold Medallion Awards.

Ken co-authored the bestseller, I WAS WRONG, a book with Jim Bakker, former PTL president and televangelist, in which for the first time, the fallen preacher reveals his side o

Reviews

[Alec Velasco]

This book was a biography of Payne Stewart. Payne Stewart is one of the best and most famous gilders who ever played the game. He was especially known for his golf apparel. He would wear a "tam'O shatter hat," with checkered knickers, and a sweater. Although he was famous for his dress, he was more famous for his golf game and good character. Payne won three major championships in his shortened golf career. They were the U.S Open twice and the PGA Championship. His most memorable win was the 1999 U.S Open. Shortly after this, Payne died in a plane crash.

I really liked this book because it deeply described his life and didn't leave out details. I really liked how it included pictures. This method helps visualize what is being wrote. Payne is one of my favorite golfers because he was an amazing player, but not only that he was a Christian with good character. His wife said, "After 18 years of marriage, he was still the most beautiful man I had ever seen, because of what he was on the inside.” This says a lot about who he was, because most famous athletes do not have a good inside. They are very self centered, but Payne is not.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of sports. It is also a must read for anyone who likes the game of golf. This book is a classic for any golfers or sports fans. If you don't like sports, than this book is not for you.

[L Gregory Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book, and so heartwarming, I read again after many years sitting on my bookshelf. The things that he had to overcome in order to be the best golfer he could be is amazing to me; especially the fact that Payne had ADD. I can readily identify with that since I have ADD-HD myself. The last chapters brought the tears to my eyes. Payne Stewart was and is my all time favorite golfer.

[Todd Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hardly a page-turner, but was interesting for golf fans and those who enjoyed watching Payne Stewart play (like me - the 1999 US Open was the most gripping gold tourney I have ever watched). The writing was not sensational, but it was readable. The strength of the book was the record of the day-to-day activities of PGA golfers and the kind of life they lead. More information on his childhood would have been interesting (how much did he play and practice as a youngster?) - though this is a forgivable mistake since it was his wife who wrote the book. I was surprised and a little disappointed in the lack of the gospel in the book. Broadman & Holman, an evangelical company, published the book, so I expected better. The buildup throughout the book was about Stewart's devotion to Christ, particularly near the end of his life, yet there was really no mention of conversion or repentance. The closest thing to an explanation of the gospel came in Paul Azinger's eulogy at Stewart's memorial. One could read the book and think that the substance of Christianity is being a good dad, a good husband, and trying to be a better person - all good things, but ultimately impossible without the gospel. But his zeal for Christ was evidently real and he was on the path of discipleship. It seems he died before he could walk too far down that path.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, I am not a golfer, I do enjoy watching a golf game every now and then, so to read a book about a golfer was going to be a new experience. When I was younger I remember vaguely seeing Payne Stewart on occasion. He was a few years younger than me, but I do remember the fateful day of his passing. The book is a very good read and one that I would recommend reading for anyone who likes to read Biographies and Autobiographies.

[Victoria Slotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, especially for those who are into golf. My guess would be that others would be bored with some of the details of Payne's important tournaments. Good character development with a balance between strengths and weaknesses, giving a rounded portrait of this PGA pro. Tracey Stewart's ghost writer acquited her story well.

[Dj Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful biography of a man who tragically lost his life in an unbelievable accident. Born in Missouri and a lover of the game of golf from childhood, Payne grew up to realize his goal of competing as a PGA Professional and winning the PGA Championship and US Open in his career. A dedicated Christian husband and father, the story brings a tear to the eye.

[Travis Blayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unbelievable life of the late and great Payne Stewart.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

My all-time favorite golfer, and one of my favorite sports figures ever. I Use to wear knickers, argyle socks, and the funny golf hat just to be like him.

[Bonnie]

About a golfer with ADHD

[Rendier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not earth shattering, but still an interesting look at the life of a PGA tour golfer.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because my uncle was Payne's good friend and there are pics of them in this book. However....his story was inspiring when I was not expecting it to be. Good read.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very impact full story about a great man

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read,

[Lisa Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words

What a man, what a life.....what a tragedy. I remember a lot of those events.....such a loss to sports and golf

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good account of his life and faith journey. I appreciate his witness to this day.

[Jay]

Its good.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you even halfway enjoyed Payne Stewart as a golfer, read this book.

[Steve Wegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography of the PGA golfer who died in a plane crash in 1999, focusing on his life in golf with lesser references to his family and Christianity. Written by his wife Tracey (w/ Ken Abraham). The story of how he had to borrow money to go on the Asian tour and through hard work with a lot of family support became a great golfer is encouraging.

Once he made it big on the tour, I found it less engaging. Stories of hanging out with celebrities, jet setting all over the world and building a 15,000 SF house were mixed with stories supporting charities and being kind to fans, and I found my fascination waning.

I'm sure it was hard to write, but I would have liked more information on what happened to the plane to cause everyone on board to go unconscious hours before it crashed.

[Len Knighton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Payne Stewart was perhaps best known as the pro golfer who, in the late 20th Century, wore knickers. He was also a fine golfer, winner of three majors, including twice the U.S. Open championship. He, along with some of his friends, was killed in a plane crash in 1999.
Stewart's widow is the author of this book and for the most part I think she tries to paint a balanced picture of her husband. Payne Stewart was not without his flaws. His "foot in mouth" comments often put him in trouble with the press and media. In one instance, however, in her efforts to defend her husband's honor, Mrs. Stewart, in my opinion, misinterpreted a newspaper headline, based on Payne's comments, that allegedly called Payne a racist.
I have often said that one does not read a book in a vacuum. Our feelings about a book are often colored by situations we may be in at the time of the reading or life experiences. In this case, Mrs. Stewart's comments about Bill Stewart, Payne's father, rubbed me the wrong way. Bill Stewart was the driving force behind his son's career choice and, some may say, his success. Bill Stewart did not like the future Tracey Stewart, believing that she would be an unneeded distraction. Indeed, I believe one could say that there was abuse from father to son. Yet Tracey lauds Bill for his influence with Payne. I read of a similar case with an athlete while I was reading this book and I have seen too many cases of parental abuse like this. The child may become a great athlete but is often a lousy person. I have no doubt that Tracey helped Payne overcome his father's abuse.

Three stars waxing

[Dino Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Payne Stewart and his wife inspired me. My dad recommended this book and said it made him tear up and that it’s a great story of a great golfer. That was enough to get me to read it in a few days. In the last chapter, I didn’t even try to fight off the tears because it was so heart touching. W.W.J.D.

[Don Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the life of Payne Stewart. I like that it took you from the early years , through his middle years and then finally up to his untimely death. Nice insight on behind the scenes of what It took to be a professional golfer.

[JMF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great learning about this incredible human. But got a little too religious for me at points, especially at the end..

[Keith Muehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. What an incredible career, what an amazing man. (Of course I love golf!)

Do not read the last 2 chapters in public!