Date of Birth: July 18, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: April 29, 2015
Biography
Calvin Peete was a professional golfer who emerged as one of the most successful African-American players on the PGA Tour before the emergence of Tiger Woods. Born on July 18, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Peete overcame significant odds to carve out a successful career in golf. Despite not picking up a golf club until his early 20s, he became known for his precision and accuracy on the course. Peete’s journey into golf began relatively late compared to his peers. He did not start playing until he was 23 years old, but his natural talent and hard work quickly made up for lost time. He joined the PGA Tour in 1975 and went on to win 12 tournaments over the next decade. His most successful year came in 1982 when he won four tournaments and led the PGA Tour in driving accuracy for the first of ten consecutive years. In addition to his individual achievements, Peete was a member of two U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 1983 and 1985. He became a trailblazer for African-American golfers, breaking down barriers and setting new standards in the sport. Calvin Peete passed away on April 29, 2015, but he left behind a lasting legacy in the golfing world.
5 Interesting Facts about Calvin Peete
1. Calvin Peete did not start playing golf until he was 23 years old.
2. He won 12 PGA Tour events, making him one of the most successful African-American golfers before Tiger Woods.
3. Peete led the PGA Tour in driving accuracy for ten consecutive years from 1981 to 1990.
4. He was a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 1983 and 1985.
5. Peete overcame a broken left elbow in his youth, which left his arm permanently bent, yet it did not hinder his golfing skills.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Calvin Peete
1. “I had to work hard to overcome the late start in golf, but I always believed in my ability.”
2. “Accuracy is everything in golf. Power is important, but if you can’t hit the fairway, you can’t score.”
3. “The barriers in golf weren’t just physical; they were mental and societal, but I never let them deter me.”
4. “I took pride in being a role model for younger African-American golfers.”
5. “Golf is a game of precision. It’s about doing the small things right.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Calvin Peete’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Calvin Peete had five children: Calvin Peete Jr., Dennis Peete, Nicole Peete, Rickie Peete, and Kalvanetta Peete.
Relevant Links
1. [Calvin Peete’s PGA Tour Profile](https://www.pgatour.com/players/player.01919.calvin-peete.html
2. [Golf Digest Tribute to Calvin Peete](https://www.golfdigest.com/story/calvin-peete-tribute