At an interview prior to the start of the U.S. Open, golfer Tiger Woods cited the importance of Charlie Sifford to the history of golf and in Tiger’s personal life:
“I know my dad probably wouldn’t have picked up the game if it wasn’t for what Charlie did,” Woods said. “I’ve always called him my grandpa, the grandpa I never really had. I’ve gotten to know him through the years and it’s been fantastic. We owe a lot to him and all the pioneers that have paved the way for us to be here.”
Sifford helped desegregate the sport.
“He began caddying as a youngster, earning 60 cents a day. He became the first African-American to earn a PGA Tour card (1960) and was a two-time winner on the regular Tour and was an original member of the PGA Senior Tour, now known as the Champions Tour.”
Read more here in an interview from last year, just before his 90th birthday on June 2nd.
