Peete Passes Away at Age 71


Calvin Peete, who won 12 PGA Tour events during his long career, died Wednesday morning in Atlanta. No reason was given for his death. Peete was 71.

Peete was the most successful black golfer in history. Known as one of history's most accurate drivers of the golf ball, Peete won more than $3 million during his 25-year career.

He didn't start playing golf until he was 23, and succeeded despite not being able to extend his left elbow fully - the result of a childhood accident.

On the PGA Tour's website, Commissioner Tim Finchem said: "Calvin was an inspiration to so many people. He started in the game relatively late in life but quickly became one of the Tour's best players, winning and winning often despite the hardship of his injured arm

"I can still remember watching Calvin hit drive after drive straight down the middle of the fairway, an amazing display of talent he possessed despite some of his physical limitations. Throughout his life, he gave so much, and we especially noticed it when he moved to Ponte Vedra Beach as he continued to support the community, the PGA Tour and our various charitable pursuits.

"Along with his wife, Pepper, he made such a difference working with The First Tee and junior golf in this area. Calvin will always be remembered as a great champion and an individual who consistently gave back to the game. We will dearly miss him."

"Everyone in the family admired and loved him," Pepper Peete said in a statement released by the PGA Tour. "He took the Peete name to another level. We are so thankful that he was in our lives as a father, husband and role model. He was a blessing, and he will be missed."

In 1982, Peete matched Craig Stadler and Tom Watson with four wins on the PGA Tour, making 22 cuts in 27 starts that year. Between 1981 and 1990, Peete led the Driving Accuracy category every year, and in 1980, the first year the Tour kept records, he was second.

In 1984, Peete won the Vardon Trophy for lowest stroke average, with his 70.561 average edging Jack Nicklaus, who finished second.

After turning 50, in 1993, he played the Champions Tour full time between 1994 and 2000. He made 158 starts on the over-50 circuit, with his best finish a fourth at the 1994 Bell Atlantic Classic. After retiring from competition, he played in the Legends of Golf, teaming with Mark Hayes in his final two years (2008 and 2009).

In 2002, Peete was inducted into the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame.

Peete is survived by his wife, Pepper, and his children, Calvin, Dennis, Rickie, Nicole, Kalvanetta, Aisha and Aleya.

Funeral plans and location have yet to be determined.