Paul Azinger was named the 2025 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award, the PGA Tour's annual award honouring a player for his character, sportsmanship and commitment to charitable giving.
Azinger, 65, was close friends with Stewart, who died in a plane accident in 1999.
"If there is one person who knows all the positive traits that exemplified Payne Stewart, it's his close friend, Paul," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. "His values align with the character and charitable pursuits that Payne displayed throughout his career, and it's only fitting that Paul be honoured with this year's award."
“I’m really honored, big-time.”
Paul Azinger is the 2025 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award presented by @SouthernCompany. pic.twitter.com/0eVeACCOef
— TOUR Championship (@TOURChamp) July 21, 2025
Azinger receives a $500 000 grant in Stewart's name for his multiple charitable efforts. Much of it will be directed toward the Paul and Toni Azinger Charitable Fund, which is doing work in Manatee County, Florida, to help vulnerable and underserved families.
"To be named the recipient of this award, representing my dearest friend, is one of the proudest moments in my life," Azinger said in a statement. "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 recognised for this award is truly humbling."
“It’s probably one of the proudest moments of my life.”
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 21, 2025
In a special surprise, @PaulAzinger and his wife Toni learn that he's been named the 2025 Payne Stewart Award recipient presented by @SouthernCompany. pic.twitter.com/OD9wPZsVE9
Azinger won the 1993 PGA Championship among his 12 PGA Tour titles. More recently, he served as the lead golf analyst for NBC Sports and Golf Channel broadcasts, though his contract was not renewed in 2024. He is now on a one-year deal with Golf Channel as an analyst for PGA Tour Champions broadcasts.
Recent winners of the Payne Stewart Award include Brandt Snedeker (2024), Gary Koch (2023), Billy Andrade (2022), Justin Rose (2021) and Zach Johnson (2020).