The Charlie Sifford Foundation Scholarship Applications Open on February 16, 2026
The Charlie Sifford Foundation honors the legacy and transformative impact of Dr. Charles L. “Charlie” Sifford, the first African American to play on the PGA Tour and a pioneering figure in golf history. Born in 1922 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sifford broke the PGA’s restrictive “Caucasian-only” membership clause in 1961 and went on to win multiple professional tournaments, including the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and the 1969 Los Angeles Open. His courage and resilience in the face of racial discrimination helped open doors for future generations of golfers. Sifford was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, underscoring his significance both within and beyond the sport of golf.
The Charlie Sifford Foundation works to extend his legacy by creating opportunities for underserved youth and aspiring professionals through scholarships and grants. Central to the foundation’s mission is the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Scholarship, which opens this year for applications on February 16, 2026. The scholarship provides annual financial support to eligible students and assist college students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as those pursuing accredited golf management programs. It is designed to help ease the cost of tuition and advance career development in fields related to golf and beyond. Application will close on May 8, 2016.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on a combination of academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. In addition to financial assistance, select recipients may receive opportunities for internships and professional development, such as partnerships that connect students with industry leaders in golf management and related sectors.
The foundation partners with organizations like the Cobbs Creek Foundation, which serves as the fiscal sponsor for the scholarship program. Cobbs Creek — historically significant as the home course where Sifford honed his game — continues to support youth and community golf initiatives that align with the foundation’s vision of expanding access to the sport.
For those interested in supporting or learning more about the foundation’s work, contact information is available through the scholarship fund’s administrative office:
Charlie Sifford Foundation (Sifford Scholars), c/o Cobbs Creek Foundation, 300 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 405, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 or Email: SiffordScholars@gmail.com . The foundation continues to uphold Charlie Sifford’s enduring legacy — championing diversity, education, and opportunity — ensuring that his impact on golf and society endures for future generations.
