Columnist Peter Benton: Crenshaw collects coveted Stewart award

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001 | 9:51 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Ben Crenshaw followed Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, winners of the inaugural Payne Stewart Award in 2000, as this year's recipient.

The award was created by the PGA Tour Policy Board to perpetuate the memory of Stewart, the 11-time PGA Tour winner (including three major championships) who died the week of The Tour Championship in 1999.

This prestigious award is given annually at The Tour Championship to a player sharing Stewart's respect for the traditions of the game, his commitment to uphold the game's heritage of charitable support, plus his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through dress and conduct.

"Ben Crenshaw has always exemplified the qualities that embody the Payne Stewart Award -- conduct, presentation, sportsmanship and integrity," PGA commissioner Tim Finchem said when presenting the award. "Ben holds a reverence for the game, as evidenced by his knowledge of its history, and by his professionalism, grace and manner off and on the course."

The 49-year-old Crenshaw has won 19 PGA Tour titles, including two major championships (1984 and 1995 Masters) during his 28-year tour career. He served as 1999 U.S. Ryder Cup captain and next January he joins the Senior PGA Tour.

Minnesota, with a score of 449, won by nine strokes over the Maryland team. Nevada's three-day score was 478. Fernandez, with rounds of 80-75-78--233 over the demanding layout, was the low Nevada player.

Sean Kim's 41 in the boys 13-14 age bracket tied with Daisuki Oshimoto but Daisuki lost on a card count. In the 11-12 group, Max Marsico placed first with a 40, followed by Michael Co-Ward who fired a 42.

In the boys 9-10, 9-hole segment, Damian Estrada won on a countback over Mark Bachmeier after both came in with 32s. For the girls 11-14, it was Chloe Nelson and her 29 who prevailed. Stephanie Bird was second at 32.

Devon Marconi won the six-hole boys 6-8 division with 32 while Ryan Baeza was second at 35. In the girls six-hole, 6-10 bracket, Taylor Bland blew away her competition with a terrific 29. Alyssa Ballew placed second at 38.