Sifford, Charlie
1922-2015 · Contribution: 1961-1967
First Black member of the PGA Tour; first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Often called 'the Jackie Robinson of golf,' Sifford faced death threats when he first competed in a PGA-sponsored event in 1952, but became the PGA Tour's first Black member in 1961 and the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event with his 1967 victory at the Greater Hartford Open.
Life & background
Confined early in his career to all-Black golf tournaments, Sifford was invited by boxer Joe Louis to enter the PGA-sponsored Phoenix Open in 1952, where he faced death threats and intense hostility. He became the PGA Tour's first Black member in 1961 after the organization removed its 'Caucasian-only' membership clause, and in 1967 became the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event, capturing the Greater Hartford Open Invitational.
Sources
- Biography.com (Black Athletes Who Broke Barriers); World Golf Hall of Fame; PGA of America; BlackPast.org
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