Date of Birth: June 2, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: February 3, 2015
Biography
Charlie Sifford was an American professional golfer who is widely recognized for breaking the color barrier in the sport. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sifford grew up during a time when segregation and racial discrimination were widespread in the United States. Despite these challenges, he developed a passion for golf at a young age, caddying and playing at local courses. Sifford turned professional in 1948, but his journey to the PGA Tour was fraught with obstacles. The PGA of America had a “Caucasian-only” clause that prevented non-white golfers from participating in its tournaments. Sifford fought tirelessly against this discriminatory policy and finally, in 1961, became the first African American to earn a PGA Tour card. Throughout his career, Sifford faced significant racism, including threats and exclusion from certain tournaments. Nonetheless, he managed to win two PGA Tour events: the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969. He also won the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open six times and the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1975. In recognition of his contributions to the sport and his role in breaking down racial barriers, Sifford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the sport of golf.
5 Interesting Facts about Charlie Sifford
1. Charlie Sifford was the first African American to compete on the PGA Tour.
2. He won the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969.
3. Sifford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
4. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004.
5. Sifford’s autobiography, “Just Let Me Play,” chronicles his struggles and triumphs in breaking golf’s racial barriers.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charlie Sifford
1. “You have to be a champion in your heart.”
2. “I wasn’t just trying to make a living; I was fighting for my rights and the rights of others.”
3. “They didn’t want me there, but I was going to be there anyway.”
4. “Golf is a game that should be for everybody, not just for a few.”
5. “I knew what I was doing was right. I had the game, and I had the right to play.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Charlie Sifford’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Charlie Sifford had two sons: Charles Sifford Jr. and Craig Sifford.
Relevant Links
1. [World Golf Hall of Fame – Charlie Sifford](https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/charlie-sifford/
3. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charlie-Sifford