Payne Stewart, Pinehurst
Payne Stewart Statue “One Moment in Time” by Zenos Frudakis
Payne Stewart (January 30, 1957 – October 25, 1999) was a highly successful and popular American professional golfer, renowned for his distinctive style, sportsmanship, and charismatic presence. He died in a plane crash in 1999.
Over the course of his career, Stewart won 11 PGA Tour events, including three major championships: the 1989 PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open in 1991 and 1999. He was also a five-time member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team. His victory at the 1999 U.S. Open came when he made a dramatic 15-foot (5 m) par putt on the final hole, clinching a one-stroke victory over Phil Mickelson.
The over-life-size sculpture, “One Moment in Time,” commemorates Stewart’s iconic victory pose from the 1999 U.S. Open, which took place at Pinehurst No. 2. Pinehurst will forever be linked to Stewart’s unforgettable triumph, and thousands of fans have been photographed with this sculpture.
Widely admired for one of the most graceful and stylish golf swings of the modern era, Stewart left a lasting legacy in the world of golf. He was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.
Located near the 18th green of the Pinehurst No. 2 course—the site of Stewart’s memorable win—the sculpture was temporarily relocated to Fan Central (Gate 1) during the 2024 U.S. Open to accommodate viewing by a larger number of spectators. The move was part of a broader effort to honor Stewart during that tournament, which marked the 25th anniversary of his victory.
Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001
Monumental Sculpture titled “One Moment in Time”
Size: Over-life size
Media: Bronze
Dedication: November 7, 2001
Location: Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
Collections: Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Inscribed on Plaque: On June 20, 1999, Payne Stewart holed a dramatic 15-foot putt on the 18th hole of Pinehurst No. 2, to capture the 99th United States Open Championship. It was truly ONE MOMENT IN TIME.
Comments on Sculpture:
“It was great to meet you and Rosalie at the event in Pinehurst last week. The bronze of Payne is very special and your talent is evident. Thank you for your patience and perseverance to get the statue just right. Your part in making this memorial to Payne so exceptional is very much appreciated.”
“Thank you for doing such a tremendous job in the creation of the Payne Stewart statue. I know that this endeavor was not an easy one, with the limited resources we provided you, but I will echo the feelings of many that the statue looks incredible. For years to come, it will be an ongoing tribute to “One Moment in Time” of June 1999. I hope we can work together again.”