Charlie Sifford, 92, is reportedly stable condition at South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland, according to The Golf Channel.com on Monday night. Sifford is said to be battling a bacterial infection after also suffering a stroke. One source disclosed to this publication that Sifford tonight is breathing on his own but non-responsive. Family members are with him.
The legendary golfer was 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. Sifford 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.
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.”
