1999 U.S. Open
at Pinehurst capped off an emotional week at the world-famous
No. 2
course.Emotions ran high again when Stewart lost his life in a plane crash just four months later.
Almost two years to the day he died, Pinehurst dedicated a statue in Stewart's honor.
The sound of bagpipes filled the air in a fitting start to the tribute to the man who proudly wore golf's Scottish heritage for all to see.
Stewart's wife, Tracey, and children, Aaron and Chelsea, joined hundreds of friends and fans for the unveiling of the life-size statute of Stewart at the golf course.
The monument reflects the emotion of Stewart's final win and the spirit of the man.
"Beyond his accomplishments as a champion golfer, Payne Stewart will be remembered as the man who best represented the best of the human spirit" said David Fay, USGA executive director.
"Today we take time to remember a golfer, but we take time to remember a person," said Dr. Richard Coop of Chapel Hill. "This was kind of a home to him and now it represents a permanent home."
On behalf of his late friend, Coop said, "Thank you, people of Pinehurst, for placing this statue of me here."
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