It is probably not an exaggeration to say that Michael Jackson is one of the most famous people to have ever lived, with the singer releasing the best-selling album of all time.
Michael Jackson is one of the most popular artists ever. And he continues to be beloved by his legions of fans more than 16 years after his death at the age of 50.
So it would have been quite something for one golfer to find out that Jackson had at least some idea of who he was when their paths crossed.
What Michael Jackson said when he met golfer Payne Stewart
Payne Stewart was a three-time major champion who also helped Team USA win three Ryder Cups during his career.
To younger fans, Stewart is perhaps best known for the outfits he wore on the golf course. His flat caps, plus fours, and long socks stood out in an era when the game was evolving at a significant rate.
And it seems that Michael Jackson of all people was aware of Stewart because of his iconic look.
Speaking to Golf Digest in 1999, Stewart explained what happened when Jackson came to view his house after it had been put on the market.
“It was funny. [Stewart’s son] Aaron had some music playing in his bedroom, and when we showed Michael the room, he started dancing a bit, just moving with the music,” he said.
“He didn’t have a clue who I was or what I did for a living. Then his manager explained that I was the golfer who wore knickers. Michael said, ‘Oh, you’re that guy’.”
Payne Stewart’s career renaissance came to an end in tragic circumstances
Stewart was enjoying one of the best years of his career in 1999. He won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February before clinching the US Open for a second time at Pinehurst.
The win was sealed with a brilliant putt on the final hole. Stewart’s celebration was immortalised with a statue which remains at the North Carolina course.
Less than a month after helping Team USA win the Ryder Cup back at Brookline however, Stewart died in a plane crash. He had been flying on his way to one of the final events of the season on the PGA Tour, the Tour Championship.
With that, the game had lost one of its biggest characters and greatest ambassadors.
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