GREAT AMERICAN TOURING PROFESSIONAL – CALVIN PEETE

Had Calvin Peete been in his prime today instead of in the 1980s, he undoubtedly would be one of golf superstars.  However, since he went about his business in a quiet manner during the domination of Tom Watson, he is often overlooked when it comes to top American golfers.   Peete was born in July 18, 1943, and what makes his story all the more remarkable is that he first picked up a golf club in 1966 at the age of 23.  He became obsessed with the game, playing an practicing whenever and wherever he could. In 1971 turned professional, and won his first of 12 PGA Tour titles in 1979.  He played on two Ryder Cup teams, and in 1985 won the Players Championship for the biggest victory in his career.   What made Peete such a great golfer was his uncanny accuracy.  He fell from a tree at age 12, breaking his left elbow, and it was set so that he could never straighten it out again.  Some believe this gave him his great accuracy, as it allowed him to keep the clubface very square through impact.  Peete led the PGA Tour in driving accuracy for 11 straight years, a record that may never be broken.  He also was in the top four in greens in regulation every year from 1980-1986.  Although Peete’s name seldom comes up in conversations regarding the greatest ballstrikers in history, the stats show he deserves to be mentioned.   Peete attempted to play on the Champions Tour when he turned 50, but a series of injuries by this time had derailed his game.  He retired from competitive golf in 2001, and today he lives in Jacksonville, Florida.