Pete Brown

Pete Brown

MGA Hall of Fame 2020

Pete Brown was born in Port Gibson, MS on February 2, 1935 and lived in Jackson from 1940 - 1970. Brown learned the game of golf by caddying at the Jackson public golf course that now bears his name. Brown turned professional in 1954 and claimed the Negro National Open in ’61 and ’62 and also won the Michigan Open in 1962. In 1963, he became only the second African-American to earn his PGA Tour Card and in 1964 became the first African-American to win a PGA Tour Event, the old Waco Open. In 1970, he won the Andy Williams/San Diego Open coming from seven shots behind in the final round and beating World Golf Hall of Famer, Tony Jacklin, in a sudden death playoff. (Jack Nicklaus claimed 3rd). Brown competed on the PGA Tour from 1963-1980 and the PGA Champions Tour from 1985-1990. Brown served as Head Golf Professional at Madden Golf Course in Dayton, OH for over 20 years. Brown then moved to Evans, GA from 2012-2015 before passing on May 1, 2015 at the age of 80.