Calvin Peete: Golf's Forgotten Star

by Gordon Hobson

The first-ever biography of an overlooked PGA star and one of the best Black golfers in history. His story is unprecedented in the world of golf. Born to a family of migrant laborers, Calvin Peete dropped out of school in the eighth grade, went to work picking crops, first swung a golf club at the age of 23—and rose to the top of the PGA. In Calvin Golf's Forgotten Star, Gordon Hobson tells for the first time Peete’s incredible story. Hobson recounts how, when Peete joined the lily-white PGA tour in 1976, he stood out from the competition in more ways than one. Peete wasn’t raised in country clubs and didn’t learn the game at prestigious golf universities. He sported a huge Fu Manchu, cowboy boots, and had diamonds embedded in his teeth. Peete had a permanently bent left elbow and practiced endless hours in a public park to develop one of the most accurate swings in the history of golf. He endured years of futility and despair, but, eventually, he emerged as the best player on the Tour from 1982-86. Calvin Peete’s story is inspiring, but it also reveals the struggles many Black golfers endured even after the Caucasian-only clause was removed from the PGA’s bylaws. He may have won twelve championships, played on the US Ryder Cup team twice, and won the prestigious Vardon Award, but the road to success wasn’t easy. Calvin Golf’s Forgotten Star shows how, even without the advantages some people are born into, one can find success through hard work, determination, and fortitude.

176 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased but this book is a quick and fascinating read. Calvin Peete’s remarkable rise to becoming the best golfer in the PGA is a story of grit and determination worth reading. Growing up in a family of migrant laborers he was completely removed from the world of country club golf. But the parts I found most interesting were the history of race and the PGA, which was the last professional sport to lift its Caucasian only clause. Golfer’s and non-golfers will enjoy this book

[Susan Keiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fascinating tale of a golfer I had never heard of before, but who was the most successful Black golfer on the PGA Tour a decade before Tiger Woods rose to fame, not to mention the most accurate ball driver of the 1980's. Golf is pretty much pegged as one of the whitest and most racist sports there is, and even I was surprised (though should not have been) that clubs that barred non-white players were still allowed to host PGA tournaments in my lifetime. Calvin Peete overcame a lot, between a broken elbow that never healed properly and undiagnosed Tourette's Syndrome, not to mention the systematic oppression of both the golf community and American society in general, but this book also highlights those who came before him (including Lee Elder and boxer Joe Louis) whose struggles paved the way for Calvin Peete and future generations of Black golfers to succeed.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calvin Peete: Golf's Forgotten Star by Gordon Hobson
Pub Date: 14 Feb 2024
#CalvinPeete #NetGalley

Even when Tiger Woods was a thing, I dont recall hearing about fascinating athlete! This was way too short and a documentary movie of the week needs to be in the works. The narrator did such an incredible delivery of this novel. I am looking to researching this hidden history. This was so well done. BRAVA! #CalvinPeete #NetGalley

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know little to nothing about golf, but I found this to be a fascinating story about Calvin Pete’s relentless pursuit of excellence and accomplishment in a game that he loved. Despite all odds as a black man with a physical impairment who hadn’t picked up a club before his 20’s, he persevered and beat the best golfers of his time. This is a well-written, compelling story of a golfer who slipped through the cracks of golf history, and until now, he never got the recognition he deserved.

[Rachel Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book as someone with zero interest in golf. Calvin's story is incredible! I enjoyed learning about his childhood and life before golf, and his nonlinear path to becoming a golf star. I definitely recommend this book to any reader!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book - enjoyed learning about this little known Black golfer. I’m not a golf fan but did enjoy learning how he overcame adversity and racist policies and practices. Nice audible narration too.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about a golfer I knew very little about. As a non-golf fan, I found the book fascinating and accesible about an unforgettable and overlooked athlete. I hope this book helps shine a light on Peetes incredible career and life.