Every golfer who looks toward the No. 18 green during Sunday’s final round of the U.S. Open will see the silhouette of the late Payne Stewart on the hole flag.
Stewart famously won the 1999 U.S. Open by sinking a par putt at Pinehurst No. 2, and this year’s version of the tournament at the same course has a similar hole position on 18.
And now it has a flag saluting what transpired 25 years ago.
Stewart died at age 42 in a plane crash four months after his memorable win at Pinehurst, one of three majors he won during his PGA career. There is a statue of him on the grounds.
The United States Golf Association replaced the flag at 18 shortly before the start of play Sunday. The one now in use features Stewart’s right arm pumping triumphantly after the ball went in the hole for the victory as he avoided a playoff with Phil Mickelson.
Stewart also won the 1991 U.S. Open and 1989 PGA Championship among 11 career victories. He was also known for his unique golf attire.
Third-round leader Bryson DeChambeau was wearing a pin on the back of his hat Sunday that depicted the same Stewart celebration. DeChambeau said earlier in the tournament that Stewart was one of his boyhood idols.
–Field Level Media
