Payne Stewart Award for David Toms
David Toms was named Tuesday the 2011 winner of the Payne Stewart Award, awarded annually to a player sharing Stewart respect for the traditions of the game, his desire to keep the game’s heritage of charitable support and his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and behavior.
“This is one of the top honors in golf, and I was really grateful that the Payne Stewart Award recipient,” says Toms. “The fact that it is a recognition that many different features are too embarrassing. I was lucky enough to find Payne and play against him and makes it more special. He is great for me when I was a young player and always helped me to be comfortable on the golf course. I will continue to do my best to maintain his legacy. ”
Toms earned his 13th career PGA Tour title at the Crowne Plaza Inviational this year, a week after a playoff loss at The Players Championship. His David Toms Foundation works with disadvantaged young men and women by providing them with programs designed to improve the character of a young, self-esteem and career possibilities.
Stewart, a 11-time PGA Tour winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member, died in a plane crash the week of the Tour Championship in 1999.