Loose Impediments: The Knickers of Payne Stewart

His life cut short by a tragic plane crash at the peak of his career, Payne Stewart’s golfing resume is as impressive as they come. Most notably, his three major championships (PGA Championship ‘89, U.S. Open ‘91, U.S. Open ‘99) and twenty-four worldwide victories. However, if you ask the causal golf fan what they think of when discussing Payne Stewart the conversation immediately takes a dog-leg to his iconic knickers.

Payne Stewart wanted to stand out on the golf course and it was his father who suggested … “the easiest way to set yourself apart in a crowd is the way you dress”. In an era of golf when everybody conformed to pleated khakis, XXXL white polo golf shirts and ridiculous visors—golf fashion seemed to be at an all time low. Taking the advice of his father, Stewart started wearing knickers in 1982, making the throwback knickers the focus of his ensemble.

Knickers became synonymous with Stewart so much so that when he was wearing regular clothes in public he would go unnoticed. A run-in with Michael Jackson attests to Stewart’s superhero like secret identity.

From the Guardian:

When he put his Florida mansion up for sale in the mid-90s, Michael Jackson came to view it. The singer had no idea who Stewart was until the estate agent told him he was “the golfer guy with the funny clothes”. Jacko looked at Stewart again and said: “Oh, yeah, I know who you are now.”

Stewart’s trademark look was backed up by a Hall of Fame career, but he will always be remembered as the golfer who wore the knickers.

photo via: golfweek