Charles Luther Sifford
June 2, 1922 – February 3, 2015
Charles Luther Sifford, born on June 2, 1922, made an indelible mark on the world of professional golf as the first African American to compete in the prestigious PGA Tour. Sifford’s remarkable career in golf included notable victories such as the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969. Additionally, he displayed his golfing prowess by clinching the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open title an impressive six times and securing victory in the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1975.
Sifford’s significant contributions to the sport of golf earned him well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2004, he received the prestigious honor of induction into the esteemed World Golf Hall of Fame. Three years later, in 2007, he was the recipient of the Old Tom Morris Award, further underscoring his impact on the golfing world.
As a testament to his enduring legacy and profound influence on the sport, Charles Sifford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. Additionally, he was granted an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews, a testament to his immense contributions to the global golfing community.
Sifford’s groundbreaking journey in golf also earned him recognition from prominent figures in the sport. Lee Trevino aptly referred to him as the “Jackie Robinson” of golf, highlighting the significance of his role in breaking racial barriers in the sport. Tiger Woods, one of the most celebrated golfers in history, acknowledged the pivotal role Charles Sifford played in paving the way for his own illustrious career.
Through his tenacity, talent, and trailblazing spirit, Charles Luther Sifford left an indelible mark on the world of golf, forever changing the landscape of the sport and inspiring generations of golfers to come.
Bio
Charles Luther Sifford, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1922, embarked on his extraordinary journey in the world of golf, initially taking on the role of a caddy at the tender age of thirteen. His passion for golf took him to Philadelphia at seventeen, where he honed his skills by competing against local black golfers. Notably, he frequented Philadelphia’s Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a public facility that welcomed players regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.
In 1948, Sifford transitioned into professional golf, participating in tournaments organized by black golfers themselves, as they were excluded from the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA). His remarkable talent shone through as he secured victory in the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open on six occasions, including an impressive streak of consecutive wins from 1952 to 1956.
Throughout his golfing journey, Sifford faced challenges and discrimination, with racial threats and abuse plaguing his early attempts to qualify for PGA Tour events. However, in 1957, he triumphed at the Long Beach Open, an event co-sponsored by the PGA that featured well-known white players.
In 1959, Sifford made his debut appearance at the U.S. Open, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking era. In 1961, he became the first African American to join the PGA Tour, shattering racial barriers in the sport. His determination and skill propelled him to victory in two official PGA Tour events: the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and the 1969 Los Angeles Open.
Date 13 January 1969
Source https://digital.library.ucla.edu/catalog/ark:/21198/zz0002vr1h
Sifford’s contributions extended to the senior circuit, where he clinched the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1975. His remarkable achievements paved the way for future generations of African-American golfers, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.
In his personal life, Sifford was married to Rose, with whom he had two sons, Charles Jr. and Craig. He eventually settled in Brecksville, Ohio, where he experienced health challenges in the form of a stroke, leading to his hospitalization. Tragically, Charles Luther Sifford passed away on February 3, 2015, at the age of 92.
Recognized as a trailblazer and an inspiration, Sifford’s impact on the world of golf was profound. Golf legends like Lee Trevino likened him to Jackie Robinson, and Tiger Woods, one of golf’s greatest contemporary figures, honored him by naming his son Charlie after Sifford. Woods acknowledged that Sifford’s trailblazing efforts paved the way for his own remarkable career.
In 2004, Charles Sifford achieved the distinct honor of being the first African American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence on the sport. His contributions were further celebrated with an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews in 2006 and the 2007 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Sifford’s legacy is commemorated through the Charlie Sifford Exemption, established in 2009 by the Northern Trust Open to honor players who promote diversity in golf. Moreover, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation renamed Revolution Park Golf Course to Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park in 2011, paying homage to his enduring impact on the sport.
In 2014, President Barack Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Charles Luther Sifford, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the world of golf and his role in breaking down racial barriers in the sport.