Calvin Peete, who won 12 PGA events during a long career as a professional golfer, has died at age 71.

Peete was famous for his ability to hit long and accurate drives, and for many years, he was the most successful Black golfer in the world. Peete died Wednesday morning in Atlanta. His death was confirmed to NPR by the PGA Tour. During his 25-year career, Peete won more than $3 million in tournament purses.

He didn't take up the game of golf until he was 23, and he succeeded despite not being able to extend his left elbow fully — the result of a childhood accident.