Charlie Sifford

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.

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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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

• PGA TOUR: Information about Charlie Sifford’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.pgatour.com
• World Golf Hall of Fame: Details about Sifford’s career and his induction into the Hall of Fame. Available at: https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Articles

• ESPN: Charlie Sifford's impact on golf. Available at: https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/12288360/charlie-sifford-impact-golf
• The Guardian: The man who broke golf's color barrier. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/charlie-sifford

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