The problem with most authorized biographies is just that--they're authorized. They praise, adore, defend, excuse, inspire, whitewash, and love their subjects, which, in the end, conspires to keep the reader at a distance. Tracey Stewart's homage to her late husband Payne Stewart does all of that. It rarely allows a closer view than that available from where she witnessed most of his stirring final round victory in the 1999 U.S. Open: on TV.

Which is too bad, because the sartorially splendid golfer was more interesting and complex than that. Despite his deep family and religious convictions--when he played, he wore a bracelet with initials that stood for "What Would Jesus Do?"--he was certainly no saint; his early reputation as a hell-raiser was matched by a palpable whiff of arrogance later on. His accomplishments--three majors among them--were great, but his flaws were at least as fascinating as his successes. So, of course, was his tragic end, in an almost unimaginably bizarre plane crash not long after his great comeback triumphs in the Open and as a member of the victorious Ryder Cup team.

All the necessary facts are here. So are the various scriptures and devotionals Stewart relied on, the joys he felt in coaching his son's soccer team, his wrenching loss at the '98 Open, and the tears of relief he shed when he won at Pebble Beach--and, of course, Pinehurst--a year later. And so, too, is the occasional startling detail that defines a life--such as his son's request to bury his father in Payne's favorite Jimmy Buffett T-shirt, and Tracey's having to explain that no body was recovered from the plane crash. But too few other moments bring anything approaching that candid closeness. The rest comes off like a life passed through a protective filter, leaving the reader where golfers would rather not be--on the fringe. --Tally Swinfen

FROM OUR EDITORS

In October 1999, much-revered golfer Payne Stewart died in a tragic plane accident. This biography, penned by his wife of 18 years, presents the accomplishments of a world-class linksman, U.S. Ryder Cup captain, and sweet man. A tribute to a golfer, the sport he loved, and the faith that sustained him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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.

In this authorized biography of her husband. Tracey Stewart shares the story of Payne's early life, growing up in Springfield. Missouri, under the watchful and loving eye of his first golf coach, his father, Bill Stewart. Through his growing up years. Bill guided Payne's natural abilities and love for the game of golf, sharpening his skills and giving him the desire to win that would empower him to many victories later in life.

After a successful college career, but failing to qualify immediately for the PGA Tour, Payne joined the Asian Tour. However unexpected this route may have been to him, it was a turn of events that would change his life. During a stop in Malaysia for the Malaysian Open, Payne met Tracey. After a long-distance romance between the States and Australia, the two were married, and Payne, with Tracey's help and support, began to build his legendary PGA career.

Tracey recounts those early days on the PGA Tour, of Payne's decision to begin wearing his trade-mark "plus fours" and tam-o'-shanter, and the life and family they built together in Orlando, Florida. Through career ups and downs, she was Payne's constant support and companion -- his biggest fan.

The last several years of his life were marked by a renewed faith in God. Those closest to Stewart said his family and faith were what mattered most to him. At his funeral, Tracey described him as a devoted husband and father and a devout Christian.

"After 18 years of marriage, he was still the most beautiful man I had ever seen because of what he was on the inside."

FROM THE CRITICS

Leigh Montgomery - The Christian Science Monitor