Charlie Sifford to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

[boogielicious]

From Golf Channel.

Quote:

Sifford to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

By

Ryan Lavner

November 10, 2014, 8:53 pm

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Charlie Sifford, who 53 years ago became the first black golfer to earn a PGA Tour card, was named one of 19 recipients of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Sifford, now 92, helped desegregate the PGA of America in 1961. He went on to win the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and 1969 Los Angeles Open, then captured a pair of titles on the senior circuit, the 1975 PGA and 1980 Suntree Classic. In 2004, he became the first black golfer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Northern Trust Open has also created an exemption in Sifford’s name that promotes diversity in the game.

Arnold Palmer (2004) and Jack Nicklaus (2005) are the only other golfers to receive the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

“I look forward to presenting these nineteen bold, inspiring Americans with our Nation’s highest civilian honor," President Barack Obama said. "From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world.”

Tiger Woods also reacted to the news late Monday night, tweeting about Sifford:

You're the grandpa I never had. Your past sacrifices allow me to play golf today. I'm so happy for you Charlie.

Recipients will be honored in a ceremony at the White House on Nov. 24. Journalist Tom Brokaw, actress Meryl Streep and singer Stevie Wonder are among the other 19 honorees.

[nevets88]

An interesting bit from Sifford in a 2006 interview:

Joe Louis was strong, but his strength didn't help him much in golf. Billy Eckstine had wonderful tempo and rhythm, but his musical ability didn't transfer to golf much, that I could see. The ability to play golf is unique, and it's not surprising that so many athletes who excel in other sports don't do all that well when they switch to golf. Their egos often get in the way, too.

[3iron]

I can't imagine what Mr. Sifford went thru to play this game.  It surely must define his character or he is the most hard headed person ever lived.

Kudos to you Mr. Sifford, it didn't take the Freedom Metal for me to believe you are a great man, as I knew that before.

God's blessings.

[billchao]

I'll be honest here: I had to look him up when I saw this thread pop up.

That made me wonder. How come Jackie Robinson is a household name and Charlie Sifford isn't? Even people who aren't baseball fans know #42. Is it because MLB promotes him so well?

[newtogolf]

I'll be honest here: I had to look him up when I saw this thread pop up.

That made me wonder. How come Jackie Robinson is a household name and Charlie Sifford isn't? Even people who aren't baseball fans know #42. Is it because MLB promotes him so well?

Because golf hasn't promoted Mr. Sifford the way baseball has Jackie Robinson and golf still has some issues with exclusion that it would rather not bring to attention.

[nevets88]

I'll be honest here: I had to look him up when I saw this thread pop up. That made me wonder. How come Jackie Robinson is a household name and Charlie Sifford isn't? Even people who aren't baseball fans know #42. Is it because MLB promotes him so well?

I'm guessing it's because Robinson broke the color barrier first, in 1947 I think, All Star in 2 years and went on to win the WS with the Dodgers. The Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, Sifford joined the tour in 61 and first won in 67. I think Sifford would have had to win a Major to get close to the attention Robinson did. And in that era, I'd also guess that MLB was more popular than the NFL and NBA. Still, it was awesome to see Sifford acknowledged by Woods after he won his first Masters.