Pete Brown (golfer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pete Brown |
|
|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born | February 2, 1935 Port Gibson, Mississippi |
| Died | May 1, 2015 (aged 80) Augusta, Georgia |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg; 14 st) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Career | |
| Status | Professional |
| Former tour(s) | PGA Tour Champions Tour |
| Professional wins | 14 |
| Number of wins by tour | |
| PGA Tour | 2 |
| Other | 12 |
| Best results in Major Championships |
|
| The Masters Tournament | DNP |
| U.S. Open | T58: 1969 |
| The Open Championship | DNP |
| PGA Championship | T33: 1964 |
Pete Brown (born February 2, 1935 – died May 1, 2015) was a famous American professional golfer. He made history as the first African American to win a PGA Tour golf tournament. This big win happened at the Waco Turner Open.
Contents
Early Life and Golf Beginnings
Pete Brown was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi. He grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. He started playing golf when he was young. He worked as a caddy at a local golf course.
In the late 1950s, Pete got sick with a type of polio. This illness did not make him paralyzed. He worked hard to get better. After recovering, he was able to play golf again.
A Professional Golf Career
Pete Brown became a professional golfer in 1954. Before joining the PGA Tour, he won the Negro National Open twice. He won it in 1961 and again in 1962.
In 1963, Pete got his PGA Tour card. This allowed him to play in major PGA tournaments. While Charlie Sifford was the first African American to get a PGA card, Pete Brown was the first to win a PGA Tour event.
His historic win was at the 1964 Waco Turner Open. This victory earned him a special place in golf history. Pete played on the PGA Tour for 17 years. He won a second time in 1970. This was at the Andy Williams-San Diego Open Invitational. He won in a playoff against Tony Jacklin.
Later in his career, Pete played on the Senior PGA Tour. This tour is now called the Champions Tour. He started playing there in 1985. His best results were finishing tied for sixth place twice in 1985. These were at the Senior PGA Tour Roundup and the MONY Syracuse Senior Classic.
In 2021, Pete Brown was honored for his achievements. He was added to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
Pete Brown's Personal Life
Pete Brown was married to Margaret. They had six daughters together. For more than 20 years, he worked as the head golf professional. This was at the Madden Golf Course in Dayton, Ohio.
From 2012 until 2015, Pete lived in Evans, Georgia. He passed away in Augusta, Georgia, on May 1, 2015. He was 80 years old.
Major Golf Wins
Pete Brown won a total of 14 professional golf tournaments.
- He won two PGA Tour events.
- He won the USG (Negro) National Open four times.
- He won the Long Star Open four times.
- He won the North & South Champion three times.
- He also won the Michigan Open in 1962.
