For his unwavering character, profound charitable spirit, and exemplary sportsmanship, 12-time PGA TOUR winner Paul Azinger has been named the 2025 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company.
“To be named the recipient of this award, representing my dearest friend, is one of the proudest moments in my life. 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 recognized for this award is truly humbling.”
- Paul Azinger, 2025 recipient
Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Paul Azinger forged a remarkable path in professional golf. After a successful collegiate career at Florida State University, where he led the Seminoles to their highest-ever ranking, Azinger joined the PGA TOUR in 1982. He quickly established himself, breaking through with his first TOUR title in 1987 at the Travelers Championship. His most iconic victory came in 1993, clinching the PGA Championship in a thrilling sudden-death playoff.
Azinger's career took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his right shoulder. Demonstrating incredible resilience, he battled and beat the cancer, returning to the TOUR and even securing his final TOUR win at the 2000 Sony Open in Hawaii. Beyond his 12 PGA TOUR victories, Azinger was a vital member of four U.S. Ryder Cup teams and, most notably, captained the victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team, ending a long drought against Europe. His impact also extends off the course, with nearly two decades as a respected lead analyst for major golf broadcasters.
Paul Azinger's commitment to giving back is as profound as his golfing achievements. Alongside his wife, Toni, he established the Paul and Toni Azinger Compassion Center in Manatee County, Florida. Opened in 2021, this 12,000-square-foot facility, operating on the campus of One More Child, is a beacon of hope for vulnerable children and struggling families. It provides critical support, including a family market, donation and distribution areas, and enrichment rooms, making a tangible difference in countless lives.
"Paul Azinger is a tremendous selection to be the next recipient of the Payne Stewart Award. Paul is a champion and a leader who personifies what it means to be a Payne Stewart Award recipient, purposefully embodying Payne’s values of character, charity and sportsmanship,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “Paul and Toni are deeply committed to serving their community and continue to do remarkable philanthropic work supporting kids and families in their time of need.""
The Payne Stewart Award is accompanied by a $500,000 grant, made possible by Southern Company. Azinger is directing $300,000 of this grant to the Paul and Toni Azinger Compassion Center, further empowering their vital work.
"We are pleased to add Paul Azinger’s name to the long and illustrious list of those who have received the Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. If there is one person who knows all the positive traits that exemplified Payne Stewart, it’s his close friend, Paul. His values align with the character and charitable pursuits that Payne displayed throughout his career, and it’s only fitting that Paul be honored with this year’s award."
Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner
Azinger's legacy, much like Payne Stewart's, is defined by more than just trophies. It's about a life lived with purpose, demonstrating compassion, and inspiring others through both his professional excellence and personal integrity.
Tune in live to the Payne Stewart Award Ceremony airing on Golf Channel as part of a “Golf Central” special from 7-8 p.m. EDT.