Charlie Sifford, first black on PGA Tour, dies at 92

buzzz worthy. . .

Charlie Sifford, who fought the Caucasian-only clause on the PGA Tour and became its first black member in 1961 died Tuesday night. He was 92.

 

The PGA of America confirmed the death of Sifford, who recently suffered a stroke. No cause of death was given.

 

A proud man who endured threats and racial taunts, Sifford won twice on the PGA Tour. His goal was to win and play in the three American majors. He never made it to the Masters, which did not have its first black player until Lee Elder in 1975.

 

Sifford became the first black to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. Late last year, President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 

Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are the only other golfers to receive that honor.

 

Source: Associated Press