February 17, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Charlie Sifford became a legend in his own time, but it took the PGA of America until 2004 to induct him into the World Golf Hall of Fame for his historic contributions to golf. This week, at the Genesis Invitational, Willie Mack III, a member of the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour and benefactor of this year’s Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption will be in the field. The exemption into the tournament is chosen by the Tiger Woods Foundation and has been awarded to a golfer representing a minority background since 2009. Mack, a mini-tour veteran undoubtedly realizes the significance of carrying on Sifford’s legacy.
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Mack also knows that he will be closely watched by millions of viewing fans and sportscasters. Including 15-time major winner Tiger Woods, who is recovering from his fifth back operation and will be on hosting duties for the Genesis Invitational. With Tiger not competing. Harold Varner III will be the only Black competing since Cameron Champ withdrew late Wednesday, deciding to deal with the winter story at his Texas home.
Woods and Sifford had a unique bond and a close relationship before his death, February 3, 2015. Woods even named his son Charlie after the great golfer. So this exemption into the tournament runs deep for Woods.
Mack, age 32, has had his own struggles in gaining professional playing status. The Flint, Mich., native has endured a mountain of financial hardships including playing the Florida mini-tours for 18 months while sleeping in his car.
“It’s kind of like the Jackie Robinson of golf,” Mack told a pre-tournament press conference. “And who knows if Tiger would be who Tiger is today if it wasn’t for him.
“I’m a quiet guy. I actually never told my story or situation to anybody… I think maybe in the early stages of it happening it was maybe a little bit embarrassing, but I’m glad I went through it and it made me a better man and a better golfer today.”
While in high school, Mack’s golfing skills gained him awareness among a few colleges, however, he was never offered a full scholarship, which he badly needed. Then, he received an opportunity from Bethune-Cookman. The Daytona Beach, Fla.,-based HBCU took him into their fold where he won 11 times as an individual and was instrumental in the NCAA Minority Championship winning team in 2008.
However, it seems that champion Black golfers don’t have an even playing field, because, even after becoming the first African American to win the Michigan Amateur title in 2011, Mack found it difficult to attract sponsors.
As of now, Mack, with the help of the APGA has secured a two-year sponsorship agreement with Farmers Insurance. The sponsorship is a precious gem to Mack because it means that his expenses will be covered on the Florida Professional Golf Tour, and the Advocates Pro Golf Association Tour, a non-profit organization that aims to bring more diversity to the game.
Hopefully, this week will bring an excellent outcome for Mack. With Woods perhaps keeping a close eye on him, too.
