Earl Stewart Jr. was a champion at every level and a lifelong servant of the game.

His winning career began at Sunset High School in Dallas, where he captured the Texas high school individual championship in 1937 and 1938 and helped lead Sunset to a team state title. He continued his success at LSU, winning the NCAA individual championship in 1941 and helping the Tigers capture the NCAA team championship in 1942.

Stewart went on to win three times on the PGA TOUR and ranked among the Tour’s top 20 money winners for three consecutive seasons. Upon leaving the Tour full time, he became the head professional at Oak Cliff Country Club in Dallas. In 1961, Stewart made golf history at Oak Cliff Country Club by becoming the first and only host club professional to win a PGA TOUR event on his home course. He defeated Arnold Palmer and Gay Brewer by one stroke to capture the Dallas Open Invitational, the third PGA TOUR victory of his career.

Among his most accomplished pupils was Mickey Wright, whom he coached for seven years. Stewart also demonstrated his commitment to the golf profession in 1968, when he became the first president of the newly established Northern Texas PGA Section.

Stewart brought those vast experiences as a champion, PGA professional and teacher to Southern Methodist University when he became coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams in 1975. He established the university’s women’s program, coached the men through 1980 and led the women’s team through 1987.

Under his leadership, the Mustangs won the 1979 AIAW national team championship and the 1986 Southwest Conference championship. Six All-Americans played for Stewart, including individual national champions Kyle O’Brien Stevens in 1979 and Amy Benz in 1982. His players also included Payne Stewart, who later won three major championships, including the 1991 and 1999 U.S. Opens.

In addition to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, Earl was inducted into the National Golf Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987 and inducted posthumously into the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

Birthplace: Dallas, Texas

Born: October 15, 1921

Died: July 11, 1990