I followed the news minute by minute yesterday with a heavy, sinking feeling, hoping that Payne Stewart wasn't aboard the plane. America and the world has lost a great character and a master golfer. My heartfelt condolences go out to Payne's family and to the families of the other people who died so tragically. The world of golf is poorer today.
Barry Keywood, United Arab Emirates

In my mind Payne Stewart's swing was one of the most fluent and perfect in golf. A champion has lost his life. The golfing world has also lost a true ambassador for the sport.
Charles Lowe, United Kingdom

There are many people in Singapore who will always remember his style and attitude contributed to the game.
Ian Soh, Singapore

The golfing world will not be the same. Great golfer with a soul and a heart of gold. When you hear successful people in sport, you sometimes wonder if they have a opinions on their own. Mr. Stewart was never a part of that flock. By watching him play and reading his thoughts on golf and life in general, - we have all become richer.
Frosti Eidsson, Iceland

Payne was my hero - I feel the loss as deeply as if I had been his son, and I never even met the guy. Rest in Peace, Payne, God is smiling on your soul.
Paul Casey, The British Isles

My condolences to his family I myself will miss the plus fours at the open. Rest in peace Payne you will be sadly missed by all your fans in the UK.
Trevor Dixon, England

I was struck by grief and sadness when hearing the news of Mr. Stewart's death. To me, Payne Stewart stood out as the prime example of a sporting gentleman, both on and off the course. My heart and thoughts go out to the families of the victims. Rest in peace, Payne...
Kjetil A. Berg, Norway

Very Sad news. He was one of the few people from whom, we can learn how to fight back with full concentration and dedication. I saw him playing during US open. Hope his family keeps the courage to deal with this sad incident.
Ajay, India

Payne was truly a gentleman of the sport. After his display in the Ryder cup with not making Monty make the putt. He showed that he was a true gentleman and indeed a worthy ambassador to the sport. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Let his memory live on.
Darren Ferguson, Scotland

All sympathy for Payne Stewart's family on this unexpected tragedy....
Heather Adams, Seychelles

A great golfer and a fantastic sportsman, we will all mourn such a great loss to the world of golf
Simon Bloch, United Kingdom

Monday the 25th of October was the worst for all golfers. Payne Stewart was a perfect golfer, as well as he was a perfect gentleman. He was perhaps the very essence of true sportsmanship. Who cannot remember his long put to win US-open at the 18th green. Even better, Payne Stewart showed, as probably the only American during the Ryder Cup, the aspect of being a true gentleman when he spotted out those who harassed Monty during the singles. Payne Stewart will be missed and remembered. Both as a golfer and a person, he will be missed and remembered.
Per Thomsen, Denmark

My thoughts go out to Payne's family he will be missed professionally which is nothing compared to the loss to his wife and family I am truly sorry.
Ken Robinson, New Zealand

Although disgraced at US behaviour in the Ryder cup, I was encouraged by his reaction to the insults of the morons who disgraced the tournament and have nothing but admiration for a tremendous golfer, gutsy competitor and simply great man with a heart of gold and a good nature. He will be sorely missed by all on this side of the Atlantic.
Eddie Hardy, Ireland

Payne Stewart was a gentleman and a great golfer and will be sorely missed. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. All golf clubs throughout the world should honour his name by holding a Payne Stewart Memorial Tournament to raise money for charities. Perhaps this could be recommended by his family.
Eddie Robson, UK

It's shocking news. My condolences and sympathy to family and friends of all who were on board.
Vibha, India/UK

Condolences for the family and hope that a tournament would be dedicated to his memory of sportsmanship.
C Patel, Switzerland

Payne was an inspiration to many underprivileged people all over the World
Tejan Fadlu-Deen, Sierra Leone, West Africa

Your news reports refer to "Payne Stewart and four other people". Those four other people have names, jobs and identities, dear ones and a place in the scheme of things. Think about their loved ones.
R. G. Pardoe, China

Devastating. What a dreadfully sad & tragic loss to our world.
Barbara Stoneham, South Africa

I saw Payne play at the British Open in St Andrews in 1990 and admired his style and his skill. He was a gentleman golfer and a keen competitor. He will be sadly missed by his golfing fraternity on both sides of the Atlantic. I can't believe it has happened and I send my sympathy and respect to his family.
Brian H. Thistle, Scotland

This was a sad day and horrible accident to happen, I shed a tear while I read their story, its almost like when I heard about Lady Diana's car crash. I think these things should not have to happen to the good people of the world and to those who make a difference! All my sympathy goes out to the families and friends of those who have passed on.
Aisling Rooney, Ireland

It is so hard to understand why the life of a man who was an inspiration to all of us must end his life far too early. He had so many years ahead of him. Like the loss of John Kennedy, Jr. I feel we will miss those many years that he had yet to live.
Harold Gorovitz, USA

A tragic day for golf. Payne Stewart will be sadly missed. He was a true gentleman both on and off the golf course.
Scott Kerrigan, Australia

One of golf's gentlemen has gone. It always gave me a great deal of pleasure watching him play. He will be greatly missed.
Ron Munro, UK

My husband and I heard the news this morning, and were both lost for words. Payne Stewart was a joy to watch in any competition, and set a wonderful example to all. We hope that the legacy he leaves of true sportsmanship and respect for his fellow golfers will be emulated by all. We send heartfelt sympathy to his wife, family and friends. A sad, sad day.
Pamela Wallis, Cyprus

A tragic loss. Sincerest condolences to the family.
Marty Bruemmel, Boston, Massachusetts USA

As both a golfer and aviator, my thought's are with the families of all on board. There but for the grace of God go us all. May they rest in peace.
Michael Warr, UK

In the 'unseemly' events on the last day of the 1999 Ryder Cup, Payne Stewart exemplified what the game of golf is all about: Play your best at all times in a tough competitive manner but always with the greatest respect of your opponent. Golf has lost a great ambassador of the game, a true sporting gentleman which unfortunately is becoming a 'rare commodity' in this 'got to win at all costs culture' that is increasingly becoming the norm in society. However these plaudits should not overshadow the main loss, which is of a loving husband and father who will be greatly missed. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mrs Stewart and her children.
Ron Strachan, Scotland

A super champion and gentleman. Will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family.
Sharon Downey, Ireland

Goodnight and God-bless Payne, and all on board. Rest in Peace
Gerry Plunkett, Canada/Ireland

It always comes as a shock to hear that someone much your own age has been lost. To hear that such a gentleman and true sportsman as Payne Stewart has died in such a tragic way makes the heart sink. My commiserations go out to his wife, family and those who were his friends.
Chris Perry, UK

I am very sorry to learn about the unfortunate death of Payne Stewart in the most tragic circumstances.
Tariq Saeed, Pakistan

I am so sorry to see such a gentleman being struck down at the height of his playing career.
Shane Murphy, Ireland

My heart goes out to Payne's wife and children, for such a likeable, talented man to be taken so young is something people can never understand.
Christian Harris, England

As a Briton and follower of golf with a very much pro 'our side' in The Majors and especially in Ryder Cup matches, I can only say how sad it is for us to lose one of the true gentlemen of the game. Always immaculately dressed from 1st to 72nd hole, it was a pleasure to see an American in traditional dress. The news made me weep a little this morning, quite at a loss to express my feelings any other way.
Brian Durrant, England

Met him a few times at the British Open - a character he was. All my sympathy goes to his family and children.
David Burns, Scotland

We were really sad to hear about Payne Stewart. We all know he was a brilliant golfer but he seemed such a nice person as well. Our sympathies go to his wife and family.
Nicky & Guy, England

Payne was one of the nicest guys on the tour. He will be missed for his flamboyant clothes, as much as for his golfing ability.
Jan Kidd, England

A terrible tragedy! A sad day for all.
Vivian Bernon, South Africa

Payne supported the Vancouver Open in Canada every year plus numerous charitable causes. He will be missed as will his sweet swing.
W. Robertson, Victoria, Canada

I was terribly shocked when I heard the news of Payne Stewarts death. Payne Stewart represented all that is great about golf. As one of the best players ever he was also the perfect role model for young people involved in any sport, he will be sadly missed. The world of golf has been deprived of one of its greatest ambassadors and entertainers. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family.
Graham Byars, Scotland

Congratulations on a resplendent career. Your life was not wasted.
Alexander Passmoore, US

A sad loss, God bless all the family. From a Golf Fan Down Under.
Paul Abel, Australia

I followed Payne Stewart during his win of the Indian open in Calcutta. Since then I have followed his career. It is tragic that he is no more. In my mind, even though I never met him I always admired him and feel a deep sense of loss. Please convey my deepest sympathy to his family. May god give them the strength to bear this tragic loss.
Gurinderjit Singh, Russia

Payne Stewart has always been one of my very favourite athletes. Although he lived a very short time, he led a wonderful life; he achieved his dream, had a wonderful marriage and a close personal relationship with the Lord. You can't ask for more than that. I cried when I heard the news. I will miss him.
Elaine Somerville, USA

The golf world lost a class act player today, but his memory will place him amongst the legends.
Dave Delcloo, United Arab Emirates

A sad day for the game of golf. A gentleman of the game gone. Thank you for those wonderful moments Payne, specially the 1999 US Open.
Rizwan Raheel, USA

A truly sad loss.
Victor S. Holden, China

Shocked and upset to hear the news.
Keith Pearson, Alice Springs Golf Club. Northern Territory. Australia.

Besides losing a great player, golf has lost a true gentleman. His play, style, panache, demeanour, both on and off the course, put him in a class of his own. Payne Stewart, thanks for the memories.
Anurag, Hong Kong

I am sickened by this horrible accident and devastated by the loss of such a great golfer. Payne gave his all. He was a true sportsman and gentleman and an asset to the golf community. We will miss watching his high level of play. God be with his family and friends at this time.
Faith Nunn, USA

Today the world of golf, and the world of man, lost a true gentleman. Payne, you will be missed by golfers and non-golfers alike because your life appealed to both of them equally. God bless you and your family.
Andrew Fetterolf, USA

I'm very sorry to hear about this tragic loss. Payne Stewart will be remembered as a sportsman who brought joy to many people like myself with his colourful style. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Rick Gordon, USA

It is truly a sad day for the game of golf. I will never forget the best finish in Major golf history thanks to Payne Stewart. The game of golf and America has lost one of the great gentlemen of the game. Condolences go out to the Stewart family.
John, United States

The world has lost a great golfer, a sportsman and above all a gentleman.
George & Eileen Byars., Canada & Scotland

I was shocked to see what was going on early this afternoon and sad to hear that the plane had crashed. I feel for the families of the deceased.
Brian Schweitzer, United States

Payne Stewart was a colourful character, a tenacious competitor and a credit to the game of golf. He will be sorely missed.
Graham Rushton, UK

Great loss of a great golfer and a gentleman
Anne Carter, United Kingdom

I would like to send my prayers to the Stewart family and friends. I believe the world of golf and the world in general has lost a great man.
Tyler Ferguson, United States

A great golfer, a great champion. a great ambassador for golf and a great man. Rest in Peace
Tony McMahon, Ireland

My condolences to the family and friends. Mr Stewart was a fantastic golfer who will truly be missed on the curcuit.
Joseph Tomaszewski, United Kingdom

I want express my deepest sympathy to wife and children of Payne. What a shame for us to loss wonderful Golfer.
Haroun Kamara, USA

This is a great loss for the players, as well as the spectators in the golfing community. Payne was a true gentleman's golfer. He represented everything that is golf. He will be truly missed. My heart felt sorrows to the families of the men killed in the crash.
Brian Munday, USA

The loss of Payne will have a chilling effect upon the world who loved him so. May peace come to his family, friends and mourners quickly.
Chandler Atkins, USA

This is a very sad moment. We have lost a fine man. He was a tribute to the sport of golfing, a great father and husband. We will miss seeing his funny pants and his hats. We will miss his sense of fairness and the skill with which he played the game.
Elizabeth Kulik, USA

Deepest condolences to Payne's family
I Murchie, USA

All American golfers will feel the loss of such a great golfer. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Roger Moore, USA

Payne, You will be greatly missed across the world. Your style of play was a tribute to the legends of golf, such as yourself. May GOD be with your family!
Dennis Davis, USA

The world has lost a true gentleman and the game of golf a great ambassador. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Let us try to emulate his standards.
Malcolm Duck, Scotland

A great loss to the world of golf, a true gentleman, my heart goes out to his family.
Christopher Louks, UK

A sad day for golf.
Al Lyles, USA

Until recently I didn't think too much of him, but his sportsmanship and support of Montgomerie in the face of heckling fans made me change my views
James Rawcliffe, Bermuda

To see a tournament without this is sad indeed. When the camera caught up to his 'shot' one felt very happy to see that wonderful face and to know he was there. He was a true golfer and so good for the game! Will miss him terribly!
Patti Dey, USA

I'm shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Payne Stewart. He was larger than life, with both a million-dollar smile and one of the sweetest golf swings on the planet. I feel for his wife and two little children. What a year for Payne.
Richard Dykeman, Canada

Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of one of the true greats of the sporting world, a very sad day for all.
Paul Brinkley, England

Payne Stewart was a wonderful person and a gentleman on the golf course. He appreciated his fans and did much to promote golf. He will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family. We met Payne several times when he played here in Europe. Good bye to a good person.
Rickie and Cheryl Luc, Germany

A tragedy. Payne was one of the best Ambassadors the USA has ever had. We Joyfully celebrated his US Open win this year. We WILL miss him.
Martin and Pat Alborough, Canada

I was watching the day Payne won the US Open, and it was a glorious day for all. All the emotion he expressed, you could see that he really loved the game of golf. He will be sadly missed
Miles R. Murphrey, USA

Payne Stewart was a class act whose professionalism transcended his remarkable talent as a golfer. He was undoubtedly one of the more appealing celebrities on the tour. I remember Payne Stewart at a recent Byron Nelson tournament where he tended to a woman in the gallery who became overheated, making sure she received medical attention. Even while under the pressures of tournament play, his selfless nature put the needs of another person first. Payne's untimely death represents one of the darkest days in the international golf community.
Chris Seiter, USA

Payne Stewart represents all that's good about sports. The sport's world needs more Payne Stewarts.
Joe Soltis, USA

It's a tragic loss. Golfing will never be the same again.
Sri, India

Payne Stewart was not always my favourite golfer, but in the last few years I gained a lot of respect for him because of the changes he had made in his life. I will always remember the scene at the end of the 1999 US open where he hugged Phil Mickelson and told him that being a father was the most important thing in a person's life. He got off to a rough start, but he finished like a true champion. I will certainly miss those plus-fours on the tour.
Tony Niles, USA

As with all untimely deaths, be they of someone in the public eye or unknown, one is greatly saddened. My heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. May God give them strength to bear this loss in their lives.
Mrs Seema Ansari, Pakistan

Whatever happened in the Ryder cup, Payne Stewart played with great talent and sophistication blowing his opposite number apart. Such a shame a true talent of the game who still had more to give to the game had to have his life cut tragically short in this way.
Peter Grant, UK

Our condolences to his family. The golfing world has lost one of the greatest.
Ambrose, Houston, Texas, USA

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.
Tisha Wallace, USA

A great gentleman and ambassador for golf and America, Payne earned great respect and admiration in the UK. Our thoughts are with the relatives of all the dead.
Paul, UK

Seems that trouble comes in doubles. Not only do we have bad behaviour at the Ryder cup this year, but alas one of the best slips away as well.
Art Warman, USA

What a great loss, he will be sorely missed by all
Andy Cragg, England

My heart goes out to Mr. Stewart's wife and family. Also to the American people and the golfing community. This is a great loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Rabiaa Rickford, Guyana, South America

The world has lost a truly great champion and gentleman. He will be missed.
Lee Steelgrave, USA

Payne was a fine Christian man and a loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed by many. May his soul rest in peace.
William C. Murphy, USA

A great shock, you will be sorely missed
Will Trugeon-Smith, England

I guess this was the final double bogey mate miss ya
Jason Warren, New Zealand

A tragic waste of talent in one so gifted in his profession.
Doug Barker, UK

He will be missed by all golf lovers, not only from USA, but also around the globe.
Jee, India

The person most identifiable on the golf course will be sadly missed.
Robert Purdy, England

I am in shock by the news of the crash. I am not a fan of the Golf world, but my heart goes out to the families of the souls on the plane.
Justin Brown, USA

A great man, a great loss.
Conor Gilmartin, Ireland

It is a tragedy, that one of the finer golfers of our time is no more. My thoughts are with the family. May God watch over you during your hardship.
Jigsha Desai, USA - Zambia

The world of golf has lost one of its brightest stars.
Lawrence Bruce, United Kingdom

It was truly inspirational in watching him play. It was Payne that made me purchase a set of golf clubs after watching him play in the Ryders Cup. He will be missed.
Terri Pittman, United States

Payne you will be truly missed.
John Cicchino, USA

Payne Stewart was a joy to watch and an inspiration. His level of intensity during play and emotion after his recent US Open victory brought tears to my eyes. His loss is a tragedy and he will be missed.
Matt Hanks, USA

Payne Stewart was one of the true greats. A wonderful golfer and true gentleman both on and off course. My deepest sympathy to his family. Golf will be emptier without him.
Stuart Neie, England

As a fan of Mr Stewarts, my deepest sympathy goes out to his family. His contribution to golf is immeasurable and priceless.
Phillip L. Clark, USA

Greatly saddened to hear of the death of such a Christian man, who was always ready to praise and encourage other golfers.
Dr Peter Williams, UK

Payne was such a wonderful sportsman! I took our son out of school for the Memorial Tournament in 5/91. Payne was his idol. Payne talked with Ryan many times that day, allowed pictures to be taken of him with our son. These pictures were framed and still hang on our family room wall to this date. My son was saddened my the news. He will cherish these pictures and those fantastic memories forever. Our hearts go out to the family of such a great man. He will be greatly missed by all of the golfing community, especially the children who have admired his abilities and wonderful laughs and smiles on the course. I know I will.
Dick, Dee, and Ryan Doughty, USA

It is a sad day in the world of sports to lose such a true and admired individual such as Mr Stewart. He will be greatly missed!
Brad Fox, USA