Page 493 – African American Golfer's Digest

Black Soldiers Tell Their Vietnam Stories

by Debert Cook February 3, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Edited by Bobby White VFW Post 8195 Commander

VFW Post 8195 in West Park, Florida, through the Stone of Hope Program, organized services and programs to help Vietnam and other military veterans and their families who had special needs. In this 226-page, enlightening book, readers will be riveted by their narratives as 23 veterans reminisce of the racism, hostile battlefields, ambush zones, fire fights, land mines, flashbacks, search-and-destroy missions, military police operations, working with K-9s, and finally addressing and putting the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) issues at ease.

ISBN 978-0-9848243-5-9

February 3, 2015 0 comment

Obituaries

Charlie Sifford Obituary

by Debert Cook February 3, 2015

written by Debert Cook

DOWNLOAD FULL OBITUARY HERE

February 3, 2015 0 comment

News

Jim Beatty’s Rare Museum Find

by Debert Cook February 3, 2015

written by Debert Cook

A 1st edition of a 161-year old book, ‘Twelve Years a Slave,’ has surfaced in Omaha, Neb., and James R. Beatty, Chairman of the Board and President of the Great Plains Black History Museum, is making sure it stays put. Just 27,000 copies were printed of the rare find that is among the newest gifts to the museum. Beatty sits on the Editorial Advisory Board of the African American Golfer’s Digest and is President of his firm NCS International.

Beatty-400

A tattered cover and yellowed pages, the story became a movie and, won an Oscar for best picture. Suddenly everyone was talking about author Solomon Northup’s book and this incredible, horrific memoir. Printed in 1853, the truthful account relives Northup’s regained freedom that had been lost to kidnappers, slave traders/owners in central Louisiana. Northup lived in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., until he followed a job offer that led to his enslavement.

February 3, 2015 0 comment

Golf Tips

Squat & Row

by Debert Cook February 3, 2015

written by Debert Cook

For daily training you will want to include a workout that helps you to improve a particular part of your golf game. This is a great exercise and integrates all of the muscles at the rear of the body, from the traps at the top of the shoulders to the hamstrings at the back of the legs. It particularly helps with balance, to build control over you body, and helps to improve your swing by decreasing your reaction time to changes in your center of gravity while you swing.

FIRST: Place an exercise band around a sturdy object.

A: Squat while reaching your arms forward with tension on the band.

B: As you stand up straight, pull the band so the handles are close to your torso.

PERFORM: 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.

Tony Avilez_2_400

Tony Books Avilez, CSCS, MES has been a fitness professional for two decades. He is a certified Golf Fitness Specialist and owner/operator of The Body House personal training studio in Staten Island, New York. TheBodyHouse.com

February 3, 2015 0 comment

News Slider Women's Round

COLORADO CADDIES MAKING HISTORY

by Debert Cook February 2, 2015

written by Debert Cook

First African-American Women to Attend the University of Colorado as Evans Scholars

Layout 1 Meet Andrea Pickford and Asni Solomon. Both from Denver, Colo. Both freshmen in college. Both united by the game of golf, making history as the first two African American women to receive Evans Scholarships at the University of Colorado (CU).

(Left: Andrea Pickford, Evans Scholar at the University of Colorado)

The Evans Scholarship program, established by famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., provides full housing and tuition scholarships to deserving caddies across the country. Currently, 840 caddies are attending college on scholarship; and there are more than 9,800 Evans Alumni across the country. Most Scholars attend one of the 14 universities, like CU, where the Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House. Coincidentally, this year Asni and Andrea’s hometown of Denver has the honor of hosting the BMW Championship, whose net proceeds benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. The BMW Championship has raised nearly $17 million for the Foundation since 2007.

To earn the title of Evans Scholars, Andrea and Asni had to meet specific and rigorous academic requirements, demonstrate financial need and have significant experience as caddies. While each worked as a caddie for years at courses in and around Denver, their paths to becoming Evans Scholars are not the same.

For Andrea, it was a case of “Father Knows Best.” Andrea was signed up by her father, Kevin, for The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch program at age 11. The then-fledgling golf organization was growing in size and Kevin Pickford wanted Andrea and her younger sister to be involved.

“He was really eager to enroll us in a program so we could learn to play a sport that few minorities, especially African American women, were interested in playing,” Andrea said. “Whether my father knew that joining the First Tee of Green Valley Ranch would open so many doors for me, I am not sure, but the experiences I’ve gained through the game have been invaluable.”

Unlike Andrea, Asni Solomon (pictured left), a second-generation Ethiopian American, had “never picked up a putter” and knew little about the game of golf when she first showed up to work at CommonGround Golf Course. Unfamiliar with the game’s jargon at first, terms like “provisional,” “par” or “slice” were as foreign to her as the Amharic spoken by her family would be to her fellow caddies. But she persisted and worked hard with her eye on an Evans Scholarship. Asni knew that through caddying, this game, once alien to her entire family, could change her life.

“Initially, it was all a bit intimidating and could have easily prevented me from sticking with it,” Asni said. “I am thankful I embarked on this journey … Golf truly has a place in my heart for helping me learn perseverance, dedication and hard work and has helped make me who I am today.”

Layout 1 Likewise, Andrea said that her caddying experience helped confirm what she wanted to study and pursue as a career; both women have dreams of becoming doctors.

“Even with the ups and downs that come along with caddying, the skills I have learned have reassured me that helping people is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Andrea said.

Both agree that being Evans Scholars has given them distinct advantages as freshmen at CU. “The program is designed to help you succeed in academics,” Asni says. “There is a sense of community with 40 other people (Evans Scholars) to help you and make sure you are doing well.”

Andrea adds that she expects the Evans Scholarship to open a lot of doors for her, academically and socially. “Making lifelong friends and having connections with other Evan Scholars and students at the university will benefit me not only in college but long after,” she said. “All in all, the most important thing I would like to get from my college experience is to discover how exactly I can contribute to the world.”

Layout 1 Andrea Pickford and Asni Solomon. Both trailblazers on and off the golf course. Both incredible young women. Both breaking par in the game of life.

To learn more about the Evans Scholars Foundation, go to www.wgaesf.org.

Photo left: Asni Solomon caddying for George Solich, Evans Scholar Alumnus, energy entrepreneur, and 2014 BMW Championship General Chairman

February 2, 2015 0 comment

News

An 82 For Tiger?

by Debert Cook January 30, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Who would have ever believed this would happen. But on Friday, the world’s former #1, Tiger Woods, shot 44-38 for the worst single round he’s ever had as a pro. And maybe ever. An 82 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open

Perhaps it was one of the recent ailing that he’s had– from previous back surgery, to the flu, to a knocked out tooth a few weeks ago. But whatever it is, it’s unfathomable that the incredible Tiger Woods, bad luck or not, would ever shoot north of 80 in a professional golf tournament.

The crowd was left wondering as Woods, with 44 on the back nine of the course (his front nine) tied his worst nine holes ever in the history of his rounds.

There was a slight upsweep on the back nine of 34, Woods made six bogeys, two double bogeys and a triple bogey as a loom of embarrassment spread-out at TPC Scottsdale.

This type of scoring comes from what you’d expect someone shooting 82 to do: hit it in the water, hit it out of bounds, missed short putts and hit a bucket of bad chip shots, and more. Throughout the day Woods’ face showcased his self-disappointment.

With 82, the result stands that Woods will miss the cut by 12-13 strokes, something this publication never, ever, thought we’d be publishing about our ‘rock star’ of golf.

At the press conference held afterwards, Woods made a Super Bowl-related joke to start things off, saying, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”, citing the recent words of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

“I’ve got to keep things in perspective, sometimes it’s difficult to do that,” said Woods. “I’ve got to continue with the process. I’ve been here before. It wasn’t too long ago that I changed my swing with Sean (Foley).”

“It’s golf. We all have days like this. Unfortunately, mine was in a public forum.”

The 82 leads Woods’ previous worst score ever of 81 at the 2002 British Open.

As unthinkable as the numbers are for Woods’ fans (and foes), they’re perhaps most trying to understand when viewed on his scorecard.

At the finish, Woods was in last place in the 132-man field and just behind a club pro named Michael Hopper.

In his departure, Woods said his jet was being fueled up. “Practice each and every day,” said Woods. “I’m going home right now.”

Get some much-needed rest Tiger. We believe in you.

January 30, 2015 0 comment

News Slider

Registration Available For 2015 PGA/USGA Rules Of Golf Workshops

by Debert Cook January 30, 2015

written by Debert Cook

As part of a longstanding cooperative effort to provide service to the game and enhance understanding about the Rules of Golf, the USGA and the PGA of America will again conduct Rules of Golf workshops around the United States in 2015. These workshops are open to the public and bring together several of the foremost Rules of Golf educators in the game, with the goal of making the Rules accessible to anyone who wishes to learn more about them or sharpen their existing knowledge.

In 2015, 21 workshops, in 3 ½-day and 2-day formats, will be offered throughout the country from January through March. These programs are led by two instructors, one affiliated with the United States Golf Association and one with the PGA of America.

3½-Day Workshops

• Rules of Golf Workshop: Covers all 34 Rules of Golf, unabridged and in detail.

• 85+ Rules of Golf Workshop: Covers all 34 Rules of Golf, unabridged and in detail for individuals who have demonstrated a very high level of Rules knowledge by scoring 85 or higher in the past six years on the 100-question Rules of Golf exam given in conjunction with the 3½-day workshops.

• Officiating and Tournament Administration Workshop: Covers officiating techniques, golf course setup, golf course marking and tournament administration. Approximately half of each of the first three days will be held outdoors at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., immediately prior to the tournament week of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic. The other portions of the program will be conducted in a nearby classroom.

Classroom presentations for 3½-day workshops are done utilizing PowerPoint with photographs, illustrations, animations and videos. All attendees will receive the current editions of 1) The Rules of Golf, 2) The Decisions on the Rules of Golf, 3) The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf by Richard S. Tufts and 4) online access to USGA University, where there are a variety of study materials and practice exams.

The cost to register is $350*. The registration fee covers the cost of the workshop sessions, study materials (detailed above), a continental breakfast each morning starting at 7:15 a.m. that includes at least one hot item, complimentary coffee, tea, water and soft drinks during scheduled breaks and a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at the conclusion of the workshop’s first day. The registration fee does not include the cost of transportation, lodging, incidental expenses or other food and beverage expenses not otherwise specified.

* At most workshops, participants are responsible for lunch and convenient choices are available. Because off-site lunch options at the workshops to be held in Far Hills, N.J., and Atlanta, Ga., are not conducive to keeping those programs on schedule, an on-site buffet lunch will be provided during the first three days for all participants. The registration fee for those workshops is $385 and will include the cost of lunch during the first three days.

2-Day Workshop

• Fundamentals of the Rules of Golf: Covers an overview of the 34 Rules of Golf, presentations on how the Rules of Golf and the Decisions on the Rules of Golf books are organized, the defined terms used in the Rules of Golf and their importance in fully understanding the Rules, the philosophical principles upon which the Rules of Golf are based, and in-depth presentations on the fundamental Rules governing match and stroke play, playing the ball as it lies, playing the course as it is found and those dealing with relief situations (water hazards, ground under repair, obstructions, balls lost or out of bounds and balls which are unplayable).

Classroom presentations for the 2-day workshop are done utilizing PowerPoint with photographs, illustrations, animations and videos. All attendees will receive the current editions of 1) The Rules of Golf, 2) Golf Rules Illustrated, 3) Decisions on the Rules of Golf, 4) The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf by Richard S. Tufts and 5) online access to USGA University, where there are a variety of study materials.

The cost to register is $175†. The registration fee covers the cost of the workshop sessions, study materials (detailed above), a continental breakfast each morning starting at 7:15 a.m. that includes at least one hot item, complimentary coffee, tea, water and soft drinks during scheduled breaks and a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at the conclusion of the workshop’s first day. The registration fee does not include the cost of transportation, lodging, incidental expenses or other food and beverage expenses not otherwise specified.

† At most workshops, participants are responsible for lunch and convenient choices are available. Because off-site lunch options at the workshop to be held in Far Hills, N.J., are not conducive to keeping that program on schedule, an on-site buffet lunch will be provided during each day for all participants. The registration fee for this workshop is $200 and will include the cost of lunch both days.

Click Here For The 2015 Schedule And Additional Information

January 30, 2015 0 comment

News Women's Round

The Pink Tee Foundation Founder, LoveVell Higgs Named 2015 Woman of The Year

by Debert Cook January 28, 2015

written by Debert Cook

For over 50 years the Zeta Phi Beta, Kappa Zeta Chapter has continued it’s rich legacy and annually recognizes a woman who exemplifies the ideal of Finer Womanhood through their community service. Lovell Higgs This year, The Pink Tee Foundation founder, LoveVell Higgs, has been named 2015 Woman of The Year by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Kappa Zeta Chapter, located in Dallas, TX. Higgs was chosen due to her hard work and dedication to The Pink Tee Foundation.

Higgs founded The Pink Tee Foundation in 2012 after losing her job while battling Cancer. She started playing golf several years earlier while living in Atlanta, GA. and quickly became addicted to the game. Often playing with men, Higgs quickly realized the lack of women of color on the golf course. This realization inspired Higgs to start The Pink Tee Foundation. For her success and accomplishments in golf, Higgs was recognized in July 2014 as a featured “Golfer Of The Week” by the African American Golfer’s Digest.

The Pink Tee Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization that is dedicated to building character and developing leadership abilities that enhance the life skills of disadvantage girls ages 7-17, through the game of golf. Pink Tee will start its third season this year at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Tx. Over the past two years Pink Tee has touched the lives of more than 75 girls through after school programs, free clinics and full golf instruction at Cedar Crest.
Higgs often states that she started the program “on a prayer and a passion”. “I found that my passion can help give young girls opportunities they may otherwise not have. Golf teaches valuable life skills like honesty, integrity and self-confidence. It can also open doors in your professional career. I love seeing the girls eager to learn game.”

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated will present Ms. Higgs with the 2015 Woman of The Year award in Dallas on Sunday February 15th at the Orion Ballroom room. Tickets can be purchased for this event by going to EventBrite.com

January 28, 2015 0 comment

News

Southern California Section of PGA of America Receives Bonus From Northern Trust Through TICKETS Fore CHARITY™ Program

by Debert Cook January 28, 2015

written by Debert Cook

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Northern Trust Open announced today that the SCPGA (Southern California Section of the PGA of America) Foundation raised $42,256 through the second checkpoint in the tournament’s 2015 TICKETS Fore CHARITY™ program, earning it first place in the program’s Bonus Pool and an additional $7,500 in funds, courtesy of Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS).

Through TICKETS Fore CHARITY, participating 501(c)3 non-profit organizations can generate much-needed funds by promoting specially priced tournament tickets to the Northern Trust Open. Charitable organizations keep 80 percent of the net proceeds from the sale of each ticket they sell, with the remaining 20 percent donated to City of Hope, the official charity of the Northern Trust Open. Since the Northern Trust Open’s TICKETS Fore CHARITY program began in 2010, more than $1 million has been generated for approximately 120 charities throughout Los Angeles.

If you are interested in participating in the 2016 TICKETS Fore CHARITY program at the Northern Trust Open. Please contact Kristi Lee Fowlks, Coordinator Community Outreach Programs at 310.573.5810 or [email protected].

The SCPGA Foundation is involved in and supports the growth of the game of golf through initiatives such as Play Golf America, Neighborhood Golf, California Alliance for Golf and the University of California at Riverside Turfgrass Research Program, to name a few.

“Thanks so much to the SCPGA supporters for their continued interest in our youth programs through TICKETS Fore CHARITY and PLAY GOLF LA,” said SCPGA Foundation CEO/Executive Director Tom Addis III.

Northern Trust provides a charity challenge bonus pool of up to $50,000 to be distributed at four “checkpoints” throughout the year. Under the bonus pool challenge, the charities that generate the most ticket sales – with a minimum of $15,000 – through the first three designated checkpoints are to be awarded a portion of $20,000 by Northern Trust Corporation. SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) Youth on Course won the first checkpoint bonus pool. The final $30,000 bonus is to be divided among the top three participating TICKETS Fore CHARITY organizations, based on the overall total sales generated during the 2015 program.

For the 2015 event, specially-priced tickets available through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program include Thursday grounds ($28); Friday grounds ($38); Saturday grounds ($48); Sunday grounds ($38); Weekly Grounds ($98, Wednesday – Sunday); Weekly Clubhouse ($218, Thursday – Sunday).

About the Northern Trust Open
The Northern Trust Open is one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR. Debuting in 1926 at Los Angeles Country Club, the event had been staged at various courses throughout the Los Angeles area before permanently settling at The Riviera Country Club in 1973. The Northern Trust Open boasts an impressive list of past champions that includes 25 World Golf Hall of Fame members such as Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson. City of Hope was named the official charity of the Northern Trust Open beginning with the 2013 event. In 2014, the Northern Trust Open generated a record $2.1 million to benefit City of Hope and other non-profit organizations in the Los Angeles area. The total generated for Los Angeles charities since the event’s inception in 1926 is now more than $58 million.

Fans are reminded that each year, youth 18 and younger are admitted free of charge to the Northern Trust Open when accompanied by a ticketed adult. There is no limit to the number of youths 18 and younger who can attend with a ticketed adult. Also, as part of its support for the Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative, the Northern Trust Open will provide complimentary grounds admission for active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees, and their dependents from Wednesday through Sunday of tournament week sponsored by Quicken Loans. A military ticket voucher must be presented at the gate along with a Department of Defense-issued ID. To obtain military ticket vouchers, visit https://birdiesforthebrave.sheerid.com/NorthernTrustOpen/

About Northern Trust
Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of asset servicing, fund administration, asset management, fiduciary, and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, families, and individuals worldwide. Chicago-based Northern Trust has offices in 19 states, Washington, D.C., and 20 international locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of December 31, 2014, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$6 trillion, and assets under investment management of US$934.1 billion. For 125 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader in combining exceptional service and expertise with innovative products and technology. For more information, visit www.northerntrust.com and follow us on Twitter @NorthernTrust.

About City of Hope
City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope’s main hospital is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, with clinics in Antelope Valley and South Pasadena. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Flickr.

January 28, 2015 0 comment

News

Toothgate? Woods Explains How Cameraman Knocked Out Tooth

by Debert Cook January 28, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Tiger Woods was all smiles on Tuesday – and with a full set of teeth.

The brilliant smile of Tiger Woods is back. Woods gave a play-by-play account to media on Tuesday during the Waste Management Phoenix Open news conference describing exactly how his front tooth got knocked out. The incident happened in Italy, last week, when Woods arrived to the World Cup finish line planning to surprise girlfriend Lindsey Vonn for winning the World Cup ski record.

Woods’ general demeanor during the press conference was relaxed, as he stood and explained that he wore the skeleton-patterned mask at the event, trying to blend in with the crowd, standing behind photographers at one of two podium presentations. Woods said that a videographer stood up, swung around the video camera, and it banged into his mouth, knocking out a left front tooth and badly cracking another one nine days ago.

The skeleton-patterned mask he had worn— to initially conceal his identity from the public, now sheltered the gush of blood coming from his mouth. Woods flew home the very next day and had his teeth repaired, “The flight home was a joke. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t drink until he fixed them, put the temporaries on. I couldn’t have anything touch it. Even breathing hurt, because any kind of air over the nerve, the tooth that was still alive, was cracked.” Woods said they were permanent teeth – not caps.

A World Cup race official says he was not aware of the incident and nothing had been reported.

January 28, 2015 0 comment

News

DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

by Debert Cook January 28, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Local Qualifying Opportunities Set for Third Year of Free Youth Golf Development Initiative.

AUGUSTA, Ga. –The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association (USGA) and the PGA of America today announced that qualifying registration is now officially open on the event’s website, www.DriveChipandPutt.com.

This free nationwide youth golf development initiative is open to boys and girls ages 7-15, competing in separate divisions in four age categories. In its third edition, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will open qualifying locations throughout all 50 states during the months of May, June, July and August. Top performers at the local level will advance through sub-regional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September, respectively. The top 80 performers – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 3, the eve of the 2016 Masters.
“PGA Professionals in each of our 41 PGA Sections are committed to growing the game and making a positive impact on the lives of youth throughout the country,” said PGA of America President Derek Sprague.

“We believe the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will continue to play an integral role in encouraging more youngsters to experience a game they can enjoy for a lifetime.”
“Our vision for Drive, Chip and Putt is to inspire a new generation to choose golf as a recreational sport,” said Tom O’Toole Jr., president of the USGA. “By focusing on the three essential skills that build confidence, we’re showing boys and girls that it’s fun for everyone to learn, to discover and celebrate success. We hope to foster that feeling of achievement, knowing it connects golfers of all ages to a global community.”

“We believe the incentive to ultimately qualify for a trip to Augusta National will motivate kids to take part in this wonderful program and take another step toward making golf a game of a lifetime,” said Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “Based on the smiles we continue to see from the participants, and the outpouring of support and encouragement we hear from countless people who share our love for the game, I am completely confident this program will continue to improve, expand and inspire.”

The breakdown of the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship qualifying schedule is as follows:

Local (May/June/July/August): 255 host sites spread throughout all 50 states
3 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue

Sub-Regional (July/August): 50 host sites spread throughout 45 states
2 juniors advance in each age/gender category from every venue

Regional (September): 10 host sites in 10 defined regions
1 junior advances in each age/gender category from every venue

National Finals (April 3, 2016): 80 total participants at Augusta National Golf Club

The current second season of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will conclude on the eve of the upcoming Masters Tournament, with 80 junior golfers representing 30 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces competing at Augusta National on Sunday, April 5. Golf Channel will broadcast the event live.

For more information about the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, including official rules, a full listing of qualifying sites and registration information, please visit www.DriveChipandPutt.com.

January 28, 2015 0 comment

News

Hall Of Famer Charlie Sifford Suffers Stroke

by Debert Cook January 27, 2015

written by Debert Cook

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.”

January 27, 2015 0 comment

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