Remembering Payne Stewart; Apparel Collection Launches

Aaron Stewart, Payne’s son and brand ambassador models Payne Stewart apparel.

Remembering Payne Stewart; Apparel Collection Launches

It is funny how some things stick in your mind. I can remember exactly where I was when I heard that Payne Stewart’s plane had crashed: doing lunch duty in a middle school cafeteria. Our school counselor, who moonlighted as a teaching professional came down to the cafeteria to give me the news; he knew I admired the golfer.

Later, I learned that Van Arden of Leaders Enterprises sports management had also been on the plane. My mother was acquainted with his family through church.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Payne Stewart’s US Open win at Pinehurst. Fittingly, the tournament is back at the famed No. 2.

Stewart was a great player and by all accounts a great human being. He also was a fashion original. No one who saw him play could forget his plus fours and cap.

With that in mind, there’s a new Payne Stewart Collection of apparel being introduced this week. They’ve got some good looking products, and I love the logo.

My favorite pieces are the red and blue striped polo and the “scissor cut” vest that recreate the look of the outfit Stewart wore when he won the US Open in 1999. The “scissor cut” refers to the fact that Stewart had cut off the sleeves of a rain jacket to give himself the freedom to swing.

I know how he felt. Long sleeves on my golf apparel always make me feel restricted.

The full press release is below:

Payne Stewart Collections Launches During US Open Week

Debut Timed as U.S. Open Returns to Pinehurst—Site of Golfer’s Epic ’99 Triumph

LOS ANGELES (June 10, 2024) — The 25^th anniversary of Payne Stewart’s unforgettable victory at the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort will be commemorated this week when Pinehurst No. 2 course again plays host to our national championship. Stewart’s fashion made him one of the most identifiable players on the PGA Tour and, fittingly, his legacy will again take center stage with the official launch of the Payne Stewart Collection.

The men’s luxury clothing line will honor the indelible style and grace of one of the game’s most revered figures, whose life was tragically cut short in a plane crash four months after his dramatic victory at Pinehurst. Dubbed the “All-Time Best Dressed Golfer,” Stewart’s influence went beyond his sporting achievements. His personality, charisma, and class left an enduring mark on the world of golf and fashion, now immortalized in a selection of clothing and accessories that capture his iconic look.

Joey Rodolfo, a 40-year veteran of the fashion industry, working with both golf and lifestyle brands, designed the extensive luxury collection, which has many versatile pieces in this first limited-edition offering.  Two distinct marks will be featured: the iconic fist pump, which will be on the chest or sleeve and the Payne Stewart signature, which will be used selectively.

Sure to appeal to golfers of all ages, the Payne Stewart Collection boasts an array of meticulously crafted products: From the classic Signature Sunday striped golf shirts to the sleek Victory quarter-zip, and Sunday wind shirt, and the versatile Payne Stewart packable jacket, each piece embodies Stewart’s distinctive flair for fashion and tradition. The signature Payne Stewart Tam will add a touch of Stewart’s distinctive charm to the look. Stewart’s cap from his ’99 U.S. Open win, along with the red-white-and-blue outfit he wore that Sunday, will be on display in the new Payne Stewart Collection shop in the Village of Pinehurst the week of the U.S. Open.

“Our luxury collection is about capturing Payne Stewart’s unparalleled style and spirit that made him stand out on the golf course,” said Mark Sutcliffe, Chairman of Posse Apparel, parent company of the Payne Stewart Collection.  A successful entrepreneur, Sutcliffe has significant experience with many top brands in the gaming, film, and apparel industries.

“The products exude both Payne’s personality and sophistication, allowing consumers the opportunity to express themselves, both on and off the golf course,” added Dean Orfanos, CEO of Posse Apparel, an executive with vast senior management experience within sports and entertainment for brands including Reebok and New Balance.

Additional products that will be released over the next several weeks include the iconic Payne Stewart Plus Four pants and trousers, both made with luxe Italian fabrics. Five-pocket performance pants and solid and fist pump print five-pocket shorts, offering versatility and comfort for every occasion, will also be part of the Collection.

“Our initial Collection will be a limited release of curated products that are designed to highlight Payne’s distinctive look, combined with a selection of the latest fabrications that take both performance and comfort to the next level,” said Gary Sims, President, Posse Apparel and long-time apparel industry executive with brands including Ashworth, Callaway, and J. Lindeberg USA.

Aaron Stewart, the 35-year-old son of Payne and Tracey Stewart, serves as the brand’s ambassador and said, “It’s exciting to see my dad’s flair for fashion come to life in the Payne Stewart Collection.”

The Payne Stewart Collection will launch today through the brand’s website and debut in green grass pro shops this summer. International distribution channels are slated for 2025.

For more information, visit the website at www.paynestewartcollection.com.