Calvin Peete, a self-taught golfer who triumphed in 12 PGA Tour events, is an extraordinary figure in the sport’s history. He honed his golfing skills by studying Ben Hogan’s book ‘Five Lessons’ and applying the obtained knowledge on the golf course. This unique approach to learning golf put him in a league of his own, even amidst the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, two of the most celebrated golfers in the world.
Golf has seen its fair share of superstars who have reigned supreme on the PGA Tour, from different eras, each carrying their own unique flair and style. Nicklaus and Woods have been the titans of this sport, with over 30 major wins between them, making them the favorites in the world of golf.
Nevertheless, the narrative of golf is not merely about these luminaries. It’s also about golfers like Calvin Peete who blazed their own trail in the sport and achieved remarkable success. Peete’s story is particularly intriguing given his unconventional journey to mastering golf.
Unlike most golfers who rely heavily on coaching and expert advice to refine their game, Peete was his own teacher. By diligently practicing the strategies laid out in Hogan’s ‘Five Lessons’, Peete was able to develop a robust understanding of the game. According to Pete McDaniel, a renowned golf book author, Peete mastered the essentials of an effective grip, athletic posture, pronation, and supination all by himself. His learning strategy was straightforward – absorbing the information, applying it on the practice range, and developing his unique swing style through relentless practice.
While Peete might not have won a major – his best performance being a tie for third place at the 1982 PGA Championship – he has several high-profile victories under his belt. His wins include the prestigious Tournament Players Championship in 1985, and the Texas and Phoenix Opens.
Born in 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, Peete discovered his passion for golf in a rather serendipitous manner. In 1975, while waiting for friends, he rented golf clubs and realized that the sport was his true calling. He then embarked on a professional golfing career, which was marked by 12 victories on the PGA Tour and two additional wins on the Japan Tour.
Peete, a father of seven from two marriages, sadly lost his battle to lung cancer in 2015 at the age of 71. However, his legacy continues to inspire the world of golf. He has been hailed as a trailblazer in the sport and is recognized as the most successful African-American golfer before the rise of Tiger Woods in the 1990s.
Calvin Peete’s story is testament to the fact that success in golf doesn’t always follow a conventional path. His self-taught technique and perseverance serve as an inspiration to aspiring golfers across the globe.