[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDATION FOR THE LIFE OF CALVIN PEETE

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                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
life and work of Calvin Peete. Mr. Peete was one of the most successful 
black professionals in the history of the PGA. Mr. Peete won 12 PGA 
tournaments over a 25-year career on the tour that began in 1976, and 
continued on the Champions Tour until 2001. His most successful year 
was 1982, when he won four tournaments.
  Calvin did not begin playing golf until he was in his 20s, but 
immediately excelled at a game most pros learn as young children. He 
learned the game while peddling goods to migrant workers in Rochester, 
New York, playing on the public course at Genesee Valley Park. He was 
in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking for several weeks when 
they debuted in 1986. He was the leader in driving accuracy for 10 
straight years. This is even more incredible due to the fact that he 
could not straighten his left arm.
  In addition to his playing accomplishments, Mr. Peete supported The 
First Tee and junior golf in Jacksonville, in addition to other 
charities.
  Mr. Peete passed away after a long battle with lung cancer on April 
29, 2015. He was exemplary as a golfer and even more as a person. 
Throughout his life, he displayed grit and determination in relentless 
pursuit of his goals. Calvin is survived by his wife, Pepper, and seven 
children.

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