As mentioned earlier, Charlie Sifford was among those inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame this past Monday, almost fifty years after becoming the first African-American on the PGA Tour. Sifford, despite a warning from black baseball player Jackie Robinson that he would face taunts and threats, fought the PGA Tour over its Caucasian-only clause until he became its first black member in 1960. It wasn’t a complete win, however, as Sifford couldn’t stay in hotels at some of the tournaments he played.
Charlie Sifford only won two PGA Tour victories, the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and the 1969 Los Angeles Open. However, he wasn’t even given the chance to compete at the Masters as he was never invited. Still, many believe Sifford’s election through the Lifetime Achievement category was overdue.
“Charlie won tournaments, but more important, he broke a barrier,” Jack Nicklaus said. “I think what Charlie Sifford has brought to this game has been monumental. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame… I think it’s about time.”