Jack Nicklaus has led the tributes to former Ryder Cup player Calvin Peete, who died on Wednesday at the age of 71.

Peete won 12 times on the PGA Tour between 1979 and 1986 - making him the most successful African-American player before Tiger Woods - the highlight of which was his victory in the Players Championship at Sawgrass in 1985.

He played on the US Ryder Cup teams in 1983 - when Nicklaus was captain - and 1985, winning both of his singles matches and finishing with a record of four wins, two defeats and one half.

Peete had a reputation as one of the most accurate players on the tour, despite playing with a left arm he could not fully extend because of a broken elbow caused by a childhood fall.

"I thought Calvin Peete was a remarkable golfer," Nicklaus wrote on his personal website. "He overcame a lot of adversity, including a physical limitation, to become a very, very good golfer.

"He played on my Ryder Cup team in 1983 and he was an excellent team member and player. Calvin helped us to get off to a good start that year with a win in a match that included Seve [Ballesteros], and then in singles, where every point was so critical, he picked up a big victory.

"Over the years, we played a lot of golf together, and I was amazed at what he could get out of his game. He was an extremely straight driver of the golf ball; a very smart golfer; and, you might say, he was very much an overachiever.

"Off the golf course, Calvin was a tremendously warm and caring man. I always liked Calvin and enjoyed a great relationship with him. We always had fun together. Calvin gave so much of himself to the game and to others, and there are countless young men and women whose lives he touched through The First Tee and other organisations, who owe Calvin a debut of gratitude.

"He will be missed by so many, including Barbara and me. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Peete family and his many friends."

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement: "Calvin was an inspiration to so many people. He started in the game relatively late in life but quickly became one of the Tour's best players, winning and winning often despite the hardship of his injured arm.

"I can still remember watching Calvin hit drive after drive straight down the middle of the fairway, an amazing display of talent he possessed despite some of his physical limitations. Throughout his life he gave so much and we especially noticed it when he moved to Ponte Vedra Beach as he continued to support the community, the PGA Tour and our various charitable pursuits.

"Along with his wife Pepper he made such a difference working with The First Tee and junior golf in this area. Calvin will always be remembered as a great champion and an individual who consistently gave back to the game. We will dearly miss him."

Peete is survived by his wife and his children, Calvin, Dennis, Rickie, Nicole, Kalvanetta, Aisha and Aleya.

"Everyone in the family admired and loved him," his wife Pepper said. "He took the Peete name to another level. We are so thankful that he was in our lives as a father, husband and role model. He was a blessing and he will be missed."

Former world number one David Duval wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear of the passing of Calvin Peete. Was an incredible ball striker. 12 time winner I believe. Just awesome. RIP."