Paul Azinger and Payne Stewart are forever linked

Paul Azinger and Payne Stewart are linked in so many ways. Off the course, the two were close friends, and after Stewart tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1999, Azinger gave the eulogy at Stewart’s funeral. On the course, the two shared spirited battles, most notably at the 1993 Memorial Tournament in which Azinger miraculously holed a bunker shot on the final hole to narrowly beat Stewart. Just moments later, Azinger expressed deeply mixed emotions in prevailing over his close friend.

Now, the two will continue to be forever linked as Paul Azinger has been named the 2025 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. Azinger is the 28th recipient of the award, established by Southern Company and the PGA TOUR in 2000 and awarded to a professional golfer who best exemplifies Stewart’s steadfast values both on and off the course. Those values include character, charity and sportsmanship, each of which Azinger, 65, has consistently displayed throughout his career.

“To be named the recipient of this award, representing my dearest friend, is one of the proudest moments in my life,” said Azinger, who won 12 times on the PGA TOUR, including the 1993 PGA Championship and served as the winning U.S. captain for the 2008 Ryder Cup matches against Europe. “Payne displayed the ultimate character, sportsmanship and service to others throughout his career. He set the standard for how to represent the game of golf, so to be recognized for this award is truly humbling.”

In his home community of Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla., Paul and his wife, Toni, give back through the Azinger Family Compassion Center, which aims to serve vulnerable children and struggling families in Manatee County. Opened in 2021 on the campus of One More Child, the 12,000-square foot facility provides life-changing resources for children and families impacted by hunger, trafficking and financial instability. The Compassion Center provides food, clothing and diapers to those in need, as well as support services like parenting classes, financial counseling, vocational training, and much more.

The Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company is accompanied by a $500,000 grant which will be distributed in three parts: $100,000 to The Stewart Family Foundation, $100,000 in Stewart’s honor to Payne Stewart Memorial Golf & Leadership Complex (located in Missouri at Kids Across America), and $300,000 to the Azinger Compassion Center. This year’s grant adds to the more than $10 million that the PGA TOUR and Southern Company have donated through the award, supporting national and community-based programs around education, health and wellness, access to the game and much more.

“Paul Azinger personifies what it means to be a Payne Stewart Award recipient, purposefully embodying Payne’s values of character, charity and sportsmanship,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “Paul and Toni are deeply committed to service and continue to do remarkable philanthropic work supporting kids and families in their time of need.”

Southern Company’s continued support of golf as the presenting sponsor of the Payne Stewart Award, as a Proud Partner of the PGA TOUR’s season-ending TOUR Championship, and as the Education Patron of First Tee reflects the shared values between the company and the game of golf. Southern Company is committed to partnering with organizations that drive opportunity and access to the sport for everyone.

Stewart is remembered not only for his numerous on-course accomplishments, including three major championships, but his dedication to acting with character, charity and sportsmanship. Through all his work on and off the course, Azinger carries on Stewart’s legacy and is a worthy recipient of the 2025 Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company.