| Pete
Brown's Battle of the States
|
The
first African American to
Win
a PGA Event !
Pete Brown
African American trailblazers have come from all types of environments,
over came insurmountable obstacles, are represented by both sexual genders and gave of
self to help others. Many times during our history just enduring the difficulties of the
time, place and social environment were a challenge for every African American. But, the
innovators, leaders and trailblazers went a little further than the average person,
challenging, the status quo in a variety of ways. Throughout every generation in African
American history individuals gave of themselves to improve the blight of African Americans
as a group and as individuals. In every one of those generations, people made the ultimate
sacrifice by the giving of their lives, to improve the lot of current African Americans
and those who followed. Thank goodness our forefathers and mothers had the tenacity,
strength of character and determination to fight for future generations. Well, Pete Brown
is one those who’s charter, pride and sheer guts make him one of the most important
trailblazers of this century.
Pete Brown was not the First African American to obtain a (PGA)
Professional Golfers Association player’s card Charlie Sifford was. But, Pete Brown
was the First African American to WIN a PGA event, proving that we could compete and more
importantly given the chance would excel. His winning proved again that given a chance we
as African Americans will always excel and rise to the top. Pete Brown was born during a
time of segregation and overt racism, but he never let anything stand in the way of his
dreams. Fighting through a life threatening illness in 1956, and racist golf course
employees. Dealing with the throngs of racist spectators, who did everything they could do
to distract and sway him from his appointment with destiny. Every African American who
meets Pete Brown should thank him for opening the doors of opportunity.
Pete Brown’s initial victory was not just important to African
American golfers, but more importantly to African Americans who sought to participate in
the business arena. On the golf courses of America the real business relationships are
formed and deals are made. So in my humble opinion, Pete Browns place in history is as
important although never as publicized as Jackie Robinson’s. For Pete Brown by
winning proved once and for all that we belonged no matter what said and done. Change is
slow, even to this day African Americans and other groups continue the fight be treated
equally in America. Pete Brown played on the PGA tour for seventeen years, won a second
tour victory the Andy Williams Open in San Diego, California in 1970 and numerous other
non-PGA events including the National Negro Championship four times. But that first PGA
victory in 1964 at the Waco Open will always be the most important, because being first is
never easy. I salute you Mr. Pete Brown you are a legend and true trailblazer – a
true Hero in every sense of the word.
For more information on Mr. Brown check out the "Pete Brown Facts" page by Clicking here.
Mr. Brown is currently the Head Pro at Madden Golf course in Dayton, OH and can be reached
at (937) 268-0111. There is also a nice article on Mr. Brown in the March, 1998 issue of
Minorities in Golf Magazine. Click here to preview the
Pete Brown Photo Gallery. A special thank you to Josephine Alexander for her email
about Mr. Brown, we really appreciate your responses and support here at Afrogolf.
Reginald Grant |
