The PGA Tour just announced that Kenny Perry has been named the 2009 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award.  Perry will receive the award in a private ceremony at this weekend's Tour Championship at East Lake.  The award is given annually to a player that "shares Stewart’s respect for the traditions of the game, his commitment to uphold the game’s heritage of charitable support and his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct."

2009 marks the 10 year anniversary of Stewart's passing.  Stewart died in a plane crash in 1999 in the week prior to the Tour Championship.

Kenny Perry has won eleven times since turning 40, including an incredible 2008 season to make the Ryder Cup team and a very strong 2009.

"There is no greater honor for a professional golfer than to receive the Payne Stewart Award," said Perry.  "Payne personified all the virtues the game of golf can teach us, so being recognized as a person who is worthy of an award created in his memory is incredibly humbling.  This award is and will always be one of my greatest accomplishments."

Commissioner Tim Finchem was effusive with praise for Perry.  'Kenny embodies all of the qualities this award represents in his character, passion for growing the game of golf and commitment to charitable giving."

Along with the award, Southern Company presents a grant in the value of $300,000 split evenly among two charities of the Stewart family's choosing and a charity designated by the recipient.