Tiger Woods? Calvin Peete?

Question

Everyone talks about Tiger Woods being the first successful black golfer. Hasent anyone ever heard of Calvin Peete? Native Detroiter and 12 time PGA tour event winner. He was cool because he had two gold teeth with a diamond in the middle and he looked like a pimp, nothing like Mr. country club Woods

Answer 1

Calvin Peete was successful when he had to drive to the tournaments, could not stay in the same hotels with the other players or eat at the same cafes.

He was a courteous man who respected others in spite of the racism he faced.

He did not get any special treatment or free entries into tournaments, he earned everything he got.

He was respected by the other players and did not have his daddy clearing the way for him.

He did not yell and pump his fist at the other players when he sank a putt, he quietly did his job without trying to show up others. He was a good  man.

Answer 2

I have never heard that Tiger is the FIRST successful black golfer. Most golfers have known about Calvin Peete.

Answer 3

Woods wasn't a country club kid.  I'm aware of how well Mr. Peete did on the PGA Tour.  I've never heard anyone say Tiger was the first successful black golfer.  They talk about why there hasn't been more since Tiger has been on Tour.  No one really knows the best answer to that.

Answer 4

Ted Rhodes was arguably the best black golfer.  He was the first black to play on the PGA tour along with Ben Siller (US Open @ Rivera in 1948).  Unfortunately, when he played on the PGA tour, it was not under the most favorable conditions.  I would have liked to seen him play under today's conditions. He had approximately150 victories on the United Golf Association Tour.  So, it really depends on your definition of success.

Answer 5

Don't forget Lee Elder...

Answer 6

Ive met calvin peete he played at the golf course i work at. And yes he was the first successful african american golfer but Tiger will always be known as the most successful african american golfer of all time.

Answer 7

Lets not forget Jim Thorpe who won 3 times an played in the 1980s...so Tiger not the first but the first to have to be attended to as the best the game has seen.

Answer 8

Charlie Sifford was the first Afro-American golfer to play on the PGA Tour in 1960. While Ted Rhodes and Mr. Siller played in the US Open, that is not exactly the PGA Tour. The US Open is open to anyone who qualifies. They have a certain amount of slot open and if you you win your section, you can play in the US Open. You don't have to be on the PGA tour to play. Mr Sifford won two PGA events and was an original member of the Senior PGA tour(Champio0ns Tour). He was also inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame.

Also, Lee Elder was a sucessful Afro-American golfer and was the first to play in the Masters in 1975.