Kenny Perry Named 2009 Payne Stewart Award Winner

Ten years after former professional golfer Payne Stewart's tragic plane crash during the week of the 1999 TOUR Championship, 14-time PGA TOUR winner Kenny Perry has been named this year's recipient of the Payne Stewart Award.

The Payne Stewart Award has been awarded to some of the greatest golfers of all time since 2000, including Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer. The award is given to players who signify the ideals of Payne Stewart during their daily lives on and off the golf course. Stewart was well-regarded for his respect of the traditions of the game, as well as his charitable donations, professionalism, dress, and conduct.

During his 22-year-long career on the PGA TOUR, Perry has been well-respected for his charitable donations and professional mannerisms much like Stewart. Since 1987, Perry has continuously donated a portion of his yearly earnings to Lipscomb University, a liberal arts university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Perry has also built a public golf course near his hometown of Elizabethtown, Kentucky in order to give back to others who have supported Perry during his career.

Since 2003, Perry has enjoyed continuous success on the PGA TOUR, capturing 10 tournament victories during that span of time. Despite his dissapointing playoff loss to Angel Cabrera in this year's Masters Tournament, Perry has still won two PGA TOUR titles this year - the FBR Open and the Travelers Championship.

Earlier this year Perry stated that he wants to win 20 PGA TOUR titles during his career. Even though he is already 49-years-old, many of Perry's competitors will certainly not be surprised if Perry accomplishes his goal within the next few years.

Whether Perry wins 10 more PGA TOUR titles or none at all, he will certainly continue to remain a well-respected professional no matter what.

Kenny Perry - 2009 PGA TOUR Season Results

Wins - 2

Runner-ups - 1

Top-10s - 7

Cuts Made - 23/23

Current FedEx Cup Points Standings - 9th