Long before Tiger Woods became the face of golf, Payne Stewart already knew what was coming. During a conversation recalled by PGA Tour writers, Stewart did not hesitate when Tiger’s name came up.

“I’ll talk about that guy all day long,” Stewart said. He understood that Woods was bringing something golf had never seen before: sustained attention. At a time when many players were unsure how Woods’ arrival would change the PGA Tour, Stewart saw the bigger picture.

“Tiger Woods has created an unbelievable interest in our TOUR, and that’s increased interest in our jobs, and that’s kept Corporate America looking at our TOUR year-round,” Payne said, as a 2021 article by the PGA Tour. "It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out that, hey, he’s good for my business," he added.

Tiger Woods was more than just a tournament winner; he changed the business landscape of golf. While he was at the top of his game, the money for the PGA Tour prize more than doubled due to the surge in television ratings and the influx of sponsors.

Woods is a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, where they make decisions on scheduling, finances, and the future of the Tour. And it was the same kind of chance that Payne Stewart recognized early.

When Tiger Woods and Payne Stewart Took Over the Golf Course

One moment captured that reality better than any theory. A few days after those comments, Stewart and Woods found themselves battling head-to-head on the back nine at the 1999 Memorial Tournament. What unfolded was electric.

More than 20,000 fans crowded the course, and nearly all of them were locked in on Tiger and Payne. Even the media presence told the story. Writers and photographers who were supposed to cover the full field ended up clustered around one group.

Tiger shot a 69 in the final round to finish at -15. Meanwhile, Payne shot a 70 in the final round and finished at -7 (T7). And that was enough for Woods to win that year's Memorial.

Written by

Dolly Bhamrick

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi