The defending champion , Payne Stewart , died in an aviation accident less than eight months earlier , in October 1999 . His death was commemorated many times throughout the week , starting with a group of players simultaneously teeing off from the 18th fairway into the Pacific in a twist on the 21-gun salute . Sergio García wore Stewart 's trademark navy plus fours in Stewart 's honor in the first round . Nicklaus was asked to take Stewart 's spot in the traditional grouping , for the first two rounds , of the prior year 's British Open winner ( Paul Lawrie ) , U.S. Amateur winner ( David Gossett ) , and U.S. Open winner
aviation accident
1999 South Dakota Learjet crash
2000 U.S. Open (golf)