Sixty years ago, Pete Brown became the first African American to win a PGA TOUR event. full story.
Sixty years ago, Pete Brown became the first African American to win a PGA TOUR event. full story.
Pete Brown’s love for golf started as a caddie in Mississippi, sneaking onto the course whenever he could. In 1956 at the age of 19, he became sick, losing control of his muscles and was diagnosed with Polio.
“They gave me up for dead,” Brown said. “The doctor told me if I did survive, I’d have to give up golf because I’d be in a wheelchair the rest of my life.”
After 11 months in bed, Brown went through physical therapy. In 1958, he felt good enough to resume his competitive golf career.
He amassed 14 professional wins in his career, two on TOUR.
“I feel he was paving the way for other African-American golfers,” said Calvin Peete. “I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with Pete. He’s the nicest man you’d ever want to meet.”
He died in Augusta, Georgia in 2015 at the age of 80.
