logo
logo

Charlie Sifford

American Golfer

Team

Retired

DOB

June 2, 1922

Height / Weight

170 cm / 68 kg

Achievements

First African American to play on the PGA Tour

Summary

Charlie Sifford was an American professional golfer, born on June 2, 1922, in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the first African American to become a PGA TOUR member, he broke the color barrier in the sport. Sifford began his golf career as a caddie before moving into the professional ranks, facing and overcoming numerous instances of racial discrimination.

Sifford is known for his exceptional talent, resilience, and determination. He won several tournaments, including the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and the 1969 Los Angeles Open, and his courage and perseverance have inspired generations of golfers.

Off the course, Sifford was known for his advocacy for racial equality in sports. He received numerous honors for his contributions, including induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Career

Early Career

  • Sifford started his golf career as a caddie and later competed in the United Golfers Association, an organization for black golfers, where he won five national championships.

PGA TOUR

  • Sifford became the first African American to earn a PGA TOUR card in 1961. Despite facing racial discrimination, he won the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and the 1969 Los Angeles Open.

Senior PGA Tour (now PGA TOUR Champions)

  • Later in his career, Sifford competed on the Senior PGA Tour, where he won the 1975 Senior PGA Championship and the 1980 Suntree Classic.
International Career

International Golf Career

  • Sifford represented the United States in several international competitions, including the Canada Cup.
  • He made several appearances in the British Open, one of golf's four major championships, with his best finish being a tie for 21st in 1968.
Style of Play
  • Playing Style: Sifford was known for his disciplined and aggressive playing style. His strength was his long, accurate driving, and he was also an excellent putter.
Personal Life
  • Family: Sifford was married to Rose Sifford, and they had two sons, Charles Jr. and Craig.
  • Legacy: Sifford passed away in 2015, but his legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for other minority golfers.
Legacy
  • Charlie Sifford is celebrated not only for his golfing skills and tournament wins but also for his courage and determination in breaking the color barrier in golf. His legacy has had a profound impact on the sport, inspiring a new generation of minority golfers.
Awards and Recognition

World Golf Hall of Fame:

  • Inducted in 2004

Presidential Medal of Freedom:

  • Awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014

Charlie Sifford Exemption:

  • In honor of Sifford, the Northern Trust Open offers an exemption to a minority golfer each year, known as the Charlie Sifford Exemption.
References

Books

  • Sifford, C., and Gullo, J. (1992) Just Let Me Play: The Story of Charlie Sifford, the First Black PGA Golfer. New York: British American Publishing.
  • O'Connor, I. (2008) Breaking the Slump: How Great Players Survived Their Darkest Moments in Golf--and What You Can Learn from Them. New York: Harper.

Websites

Articles

Interviews and Documentaries

  • 'Uneven Fairways' (2008): Directed by Dan Levinson. This documentary provides a detailed look at the struggles and triumphs of pioneers like Sifford who broke golf's color barrier.
  • Golf Channel Interviews: Various interviews and features on Charlie Sifford, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.golfchannel.com
Full name
Charlie Sifford
Born
1922-06-02
Place of birth
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Position(s)
Golfer
Current team
Retired
Senior career
1960 - 1975 PGA Tour
1975 - 2006 Senior PGA Tour

Share

logo
About Us

Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

 

We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.

Follow Us
Powered By
Collaborate with