Book Description
When he died in a bizarre plane crash in 1999, U.S. Open golf champion Payne Stewart became a sports icon. Already famous for his colorful knickers and charming cockiness, Stewart had parlayed his golfing talent into a brilliant career. The tragic timing of his death at the height of his career focused the spotlight on him even more.In The Payne Stewart Story, author Larry Guest covers the golfing great's career, from his start as an unpopular player dubbed "Tinkerbelle" to his standing as one of golf's most respected professionals. For this book, Guest drew on his 20-year friendship with Stewart and more than 100 hours of taped interviews with some 30 people, including Payne's wife, Tracey, and his friend and fellow PGA Tour player Larry Rinker. Full of surprises, the book details Payne's harmonica playing, his standing as the life of the party, and his quiet spiritual growth. The Payne Stewart Story is funny and sad, triumphant and tragic.


About the Author
An award-winning sports columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, Larry Guest covered Payne Stewart's career for more than two decades. Author of four other books, including Arnie: Inside the Legend, Larry was voted the Best Sports Writer in Florida three times by his peers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The international outpouring of grief over the death of Payne Stewart stunned many who closely follow professional golf. There was a time on the PGA Tour when Stewart was roundly disliked by his competitors. Many thought he was insensitive and immature. His trademark knickers bugged them. Players saw him as a show off who did not have the game to justify his cheek. But over time, Stewart proved that he could back up his swagger with tenacity and a silky swing.

Quietly, Stewart pursued a spiritual conversion that changed his outlook and attitude. He grew up. He embraced tolerance and respect for others. He would go on to win three major championships and the respect and love of those in his life. He converted the dissenters. The world of professional golf grew to adore him for his talent and flair. He built huge followings in Australia, Japan, England, and especially Scotland. There was laughter whenever Payne Stewart was around.

The Payne Stewart Story is based on author Larry Guest's one hundred hours of taped interviews with Stewart's family and friends and Tour players -- more than forty persons in all -- as well as with pilots and government officials who investigated the bizarre plane crash that took the lives of Stewart and five others in October 1999.