Members of the Tee Divas and Tee Dudes Golf Club of Los Angeles, takes a journey down memory lane. L-R: Jim Colon, Vice president of Toyota, Doris LaCour, President of the Tee Divas and Tee Dudes and the late great Calvin Peete
The Southern Area Youth Program, Inc. held its 34th Annual Martha Hightower Junior Golf Tournament on Friday, February 27, 2015, at the Chester Washington Golf Course, Los Angeles, California. On Thursday February 26, 2015 golfers and golf clubs from Western State Golf Association Southern Area (WSGA) attended a reception at Chester Washington, which was a precursor to the next day’s Tournament.
The reception was by invitation only, with the mention that the guest of honor was a surprise Celebrity Golf Pro . Now you know how that works everyone started scratching their heads, trying to figure out just who this celebrity Pro golfer was, started spreading rumors, making bets on who it was, and trashing talking about what they heard…. Well on the night of the reception, without an introduction, or further adieu, in walks the guest of honor and, to much of everyone’s surprise, with mouth dropped open, excitement on their faces, and totally stunned, it’s Calvin Peete, folks !!!
As Mr. Peete, continued making his grand entrance he definitely got everyone’s attention. Being the Mr. Congeniality that he is, with his wit and charm, Mr. Peete immediately put everyone at ease and posed for and with guest for pictures, for many hours. For the records let me just say that everyone in attendance at the reception that night had their own personal Aha moment, by having the opportunity to not only meet, but to also dine with the great Mr. Calvin Peete.
Photo: Jim Colon, Vice president of Toyota, introducing Calvin Peete as being his friend, and honorary guest speaker for the Martha Hightower pre-tournament reception.
One man was so mesmerized that he had to find a chair and sit, in order to regroup. While sitting he shared with others that Calvin Peete was his golf hero and that, was because of Calvin Peete’s tenacity and unusual swing. Heck, once that man recovered from his Aha moment he got up from his seat, shook Mr. Peete’s hand, had a long conversation with him , then had someone take pictures of him with his hero, Calvin Peete. After taking his last picture he walked away whispering to himself “Oh what a night” !!! Calvin Peete was the guest of Mr. Jim Colon, Vice President of Toyota, and is a member of the Executive Board of the Southern Area Youth Program, Inc.
In his inspirational speech, Calvin Peete spoke of his journey in golf and addressed the young golfers who were in attendance, to maintain their practice schedule, and if serious about the world of golf as a career, to never give up, and to keep striving to be the best they can be. He applauded the volunteers instructors, and stressed to the members of Western State Golf Association that the youngsters they are serving needs their help in order for them to continue to develop, and achieve their aspiration and goals.
Also in attendance, and addressed the audience at the reception was Mr. Will Lowery, who competed on the “Big Break”. Will Lowery also served as the Celebrity Pro for the Martha Hightower Tournament the following day.
Photo: Calvin Peete delivering an inspirational speech at the Martha Hightower Tournament
The day of the Martha Hightower Tournament Calvin Peete was, golf cart, driven by Angelique Johnson, LPGA Pro at Chester Washington Golf Course, and was all over the golf course taking pictures and chatting with everyone who wanted to talk. He stopped by a Tee Diva foursome and congratulated the ladies for having so many of them playing in the tournament. He stated that he had a soft spot in his heart for the efforts made by ladies, for making the commitment to play the game he so dearly, and truly loves.
Mr. Peete stayed after the tournament for the awards luncheon, and let me tell you he ate well, and chatted endlessly with Grandville Brown, WSGA President, and members of the Western State Golf Association Executive Board, who were in town for an WSGA meeting scheduled for the day after the tournament.
Photo: Group photo of Tee Divas and Tee Dudes (Calvin Peete center)
Tournament Chair, Rodney Gants and other members of the Tee Divas and Tee Dudes Golf Club, were out in force to support the efforts of the Southern Area Youth Program Inc., and Doris LaCour, President of the Tee Divas, and the Southern Youth Program, Inc.
Other Tee Divas/Tee Dudes Executive Board members in attendance were Rose Mary Spriggs, Valerie Moses, Terry Black, Katie Catron, Jim Gaines and Marguerite Waddy…………..
“And so it is”!!
Needless to say we were all stunned and sadden, after receiving the news that The great Calvin Peete had died on April 29, 2015 in Atlanta, at the young age of 71. As stunned and sadden that we all were, some how we found solace in realizing just how blessed we were to have had the opportunity to meet, shake hands, dine with, and witness the delivery of perhaps his last inspirational speech. A note from this blogger, Barbara Taylor to Calvin Peete “ Mr. Peete I hope you kept your fork” cause the best is yet to come. God Bless.
Until next time!
Barbara Taylor is a freelance writer who enjoys golf and is living the golf lifestyle! She is based in Los Angeles, California. | Email
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