Dr. Charles Sifford

Dr. Charles Sifford. First Black Athlete to Compete on the PGA Tour. , Charlie Sifford was born on June 2, 1922, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Considered the Jackie Robinson of golf, Sifford made history when, in 1961, under pressure from the California Attorney General, the PGA permitted Charlie Sifford full membership on the tour. Thus, he broke the game's stringent color barrier and became the first black athlete to compete on the PGA tour. , Charlie Sifford took up residence in Los Angeles, specifically here at Chester Washington GC (then Western Avenue), a refuge for professional African American golfers while the PGA of America's "Caucasian-only" clause was still in force. In all, Charlie Sifford competed in 422 PGA tournaments. He had 22 professional victories including six UGA National Negro Opens, three Gardena Valley Opens contested here at Chester Washington GC, the 1957 Long Beach Open, the 1967 Greater Hartford Open, the first fully sanctioned PGA event ever won by an African-American, the 1969 Los Angeles Open and the 1975 PGA Seniors Championship. , In 2004, Sifford was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, just the 104th athlete and first African American to receive the honor. , On June 22, 2006, he received an honorary degree from the University of St. Andrews as a Doctor of Laws. , In 2009, the Charlie Sifford Exemption, which allows for the invitation of a player to the Northern Trust Open (formerly the Los Angeles Open) who represents the advancement of golf's diversity was created. , In 2014, President Obama presented the trailblazing athlete with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. , , Charles Sifford died on February 3, 2015, at the age of 92. In a statement, PGA President Derek Sprague said, "His love of golf, despite many barriers in his path, strengthened him as he became a beacon for diversity in our game. By his courage, Dr. Sifford inspired others to follow their dreams. Golf was fortunate to have had this exceptional American in our midst." , On August 16, 2015, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas officially renamed a section of 120th Street, bordering the north side of Chester Washington GC as Charlie Sifford Drive. At the ceremony, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas stated "it is important that we honor Mr. Sifford's tremendous accomplishments so that all may be inspired by his courage and perseverance".