New course pays tribute to Springfield's favorite son
HOLLISTER – Standing in front of the 19th hole of his future golf course design, Tiger Woods paid tribute to his late friend Payne Stewart.
Woods announced Wednesday morning that he and his golf course design firm, TGR Design, would design a course in Payne’s honor.
“Payne’s Valley” is an 18-hole golf course at the Big Cedar Lodge Resort in the Ozark hills south of Branson.
Born and raised in Springfield, Stewart grew up to become a legendary golfer who won 11 PGA Tour events.
He died in 1999 in a plane crash, ending his life at the age of 42.
Stewart left his impact on the Ozarks golfing community and now his name will live on through a golf course, an hour south of his hometown.
“To have the opportunity to represent Payne and his family and what he’s meant to the state of Missouri and the Ozarks — it’s an honor for me,” Woods said.
Woods, along with Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris, made the announcement with Payne’s widow, Tracey Stewart, sitting in the front row.
“I have to express my gratitude to Johnny for what you’re doing to honor Payne,” Tracey said. “This area means so much to him … It’s just an honor for our family.
“I know Payne’s looking down from heaven today and he’s so proud.”
Payne’s last major championship came in June 1999 at the U.S. Open. After his death in October 1999, Woods went on to win the U.S. Open in June 2000.
“I’d also like to thank Tiger for his willingness to design this great course,” Tracey said. “He spoke so highly of you and I know you’re going to do an awesome job.”
Scheduled to open in 2019, “Payne’s Valley” will be the first completed public-access course designed by Woods and his TGR Design firm.
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Woods laughed as he remembered his friend and colleague’s “words of wisdom” during Woods’ first Ryder Cup in Spain in 1997.
“I’m thinking I’m going to get some words of wisdom (as Payne pulled Woods and a few other golfers aside),” Woods said. “I was on Cloud Nine, representing the United States.
“He says, ‘Boys, I know this is your first Ryder Cup. Just don’t suck this week.’ And he walked away. Those were my words of wisdom.”
Woods will collaborate with Morris on the tribute.
Morris said to create the course in Payne’s honor meant so much to him and that he’s “so proud.”
“The tie-in with Payne Stewart and the Stewart family — everything he stood for, his character, values, he was a true champion,” Morris said.
Tracey said she’s eager to work with Woods and Morris on the project in honor of her late husband.
“We’re so excited to partner with you on all of this,” Tracey said. “I know it’s going to be a wonderful tribute to Payne and this area.”
