FORMER Ryder Cup player and Players Championship winner Calvin Peete has died at the age of 71, the PGA Tour has confirmed.
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 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.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said: "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."
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