Paul Azinger is getting what he considers the greatest honor of his career. He was declared as recipient of Payne Stewart Award on Monday, recognizing the symptoms related to his closest friend on the PGA Tour.

The award began in 2000, when Stewart and three others died in a plane crash. It has become one of the top awards in golf, with a ceremony live from Atlanta during the Tour Championship in August.

“To be named the recipient of the award, representing my most beloved friend, is one of the most glorious moments of my life,” Azinger said.

Azinger is a 12 -time winner on the PGA Tour, including the 1993 PGA Championship that he won in a playoffs. He is equally known to re -shape the rider cup qualification system and lead Americans for a rare victory against Europe in 2008. He now works as a television analyst for the PGA Tour Champion.

The award respects a player who shows commitment to character, sportsmanship and donation. In 2021, Azinger and his wife, Tony, opened the Azinger Family Compassion Center, which serves weaker and struggling families in Maneti County in Florida.

The southern company, which sponsors the award, donates $ 300,000 to the recipient’s charity and $ 200,000 to the Stewart Family Foundation programs.

Stewart, three -time prominent champion and the reign of the US Open Champion on his death in 1999, and close friends on Azinger tour. Azinger was the keynote speaker at Stewart’s Memorial Service, rolling his pants to look like Plus Four and wearing a Tam O’Shenter Cap.

“Payne displayed the final character, sportsmanship and service for others during his career. He set the standard for representing the game of golf, so being recognized for this award is really humble,” Azinger said.

The ceremony will take place on 19 August. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nickens and Bayran Nelson received the inaugural award. It was obtained by Brant Snedekar last year. Other winners in the years include Tom Watson and Nick Price, Steve Striker and Tom Lehman.

PGA Tour Commissioner J. Monhan said, “If there is someone who knows all positive symptoms, who follows Payne Stewart, it is his close friend Paul.” “Their values align with character and charitable activities that Payne displayed during his career, and it is only appropriate that Paul be honored with this year’s award.”