Charles “Charlie” Luther Sifford, 92, a professional golfer who was the first African American to play on the PGA Tour, passed away earlier this evening. Sifford was admitted to South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland , Ohio, last week and was said to be battling a bacterial infection after also suffering a stroke. Details of the funeral service and arrangements will be forthcoming, said a close friend of the family who spoke with this publication tonight.
Sifford was the first Black golfer to receive a PGA Tour card after the PGA desegregated in 1961. He twice proved himself on the Tour, winning the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969. The legendary golfer added two more senior title wins to his accomplishments at the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship and the 1980 Suntree Classic.
In 2001, Sifford became the first Black golfer inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and this past November, he became just the third golfer to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, joining Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. At the evening program, held at the White House, Sifford arrived smiling in a wheelchair. He enjoyed chatting with friends, taking photos and admiring the more than 100 guests who attended the celebration. At the festive event, Sifford looked strong despite receiving ongoing dialysis treatments several times a week.
“I’ve lost a great friend and the world has lost a great man,” said Debert Cook, publisher of African American Golfer’s Digest where Sifford served as its World Golf Ambassador.
Tiger Woods fondly refers to Sifford as his “grandfather” and often cites Sifford as an inspiration. In a congratulatory tweet in November, upon learning about Sifford’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, Woods wrote: “the grandpa I never had,” and added, “Your past sacrifices allow me to play golf today. I’m so happy for you Charlie.”
