Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography

by Tracey Stewart, Ken Abraham

The widow of golfer Payne Stewart recounts his training, his golfing career, which began on the Asian tour, and the development of his Christian faith.

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

438 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2000

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!