Charlie Sifford
Before there was Tiger:
The Jackie Robinson of Golf

Some people fight loud and publicly to right injustices (real or imagined) that they experience or see. They are in the news and at every photo opportunity, making a name for themselves while they fight their fight.

There are also some quiet heroes who break down barriers just because they get in their way. Not looking for attention, just doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

Charlie Sifford is one such man.

He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 2, 1922. He was one of six children and the only surviving child. As a very young boy of only about 13 he caddied to earn money and really came to love the game of golf.

There were no High School or College Golf teams at the time, but he couldn't have afforded them even if there were. He left High School for financial reasons in the 11th grade.

Charlie Sifford celebrates another great shot

He went into the Army in 1943 where he was in the 24th Infantry. He was there until he came out in 1946 and went to Pittsburgh. The USGA was hosting the National Negro Open. He saw Joe Lewis, Sugar Ray Robinson and others play in the tournament and he decided to play too.

Charlie was working for National Biscuit at the time, but Billy Eckstein, famed jazz musician gave him a job as his private golf instructor. Charlie traveled with him until about 1953.

Charlie Sifford at home (Sept 2005)

Robinson asked if he was a quitter. Charlie responded "No, I'm not a quitter."

Robinson said, "If you're not a quitter, go ahead and take the challenge. If you're a quitter, there's going to be a lot of obstacles you're going to have to go through to be successful in what you're trying to do."

From Jackie Robinson to Charlie Sifford
To Charlie, Best of Luck, Jackie

His first official tournament was the Long Beach Open in 1957. "They used to have some really good tournaments in California."

In 1971 he got a call from Dr. George Simpkins, a civil rights leader from Greensboro. In 1955, Simpkins and a few other black men were arrested for trespassing on an all-white municipal Golf Course, Gillespie Park Golf Course.

Simpkins appealed his convictions to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against them by a 5 to 4 vote. The Governor of North Carolina, Luther Hodges, commuted their sentences. The City opted to close the Golf Course rather than integrate.

Newspaper article celebrating the Greensboro Open where Charlie Sifford broke the color barrier in pro golf

"There was a lot of name calling and a lot of problems. But as long as there was no physical pain, and I had the Lord on my side, I played. I finished the tournament and tied for 4th...It was one of my proudest moments and one of my scariest moments all at the same time!"

He was issued an approved player card that should have given him access to any golf course in the United States. He went to Texas and the police in San Antonio made him leave the course. Same story in Houston.

Charlie Sifford

Charlie played on 12 national opens and 12 PGA opens. He plays all over Cleveland including Beechmont, Quail Hollow, Sleepy Hollow and Firestone. "I'm 83 years old with high blood pressure and Sugar. If a golf course don't want me today, I sure as hell don't need them."

He plays four outings a year for Toyota who is his only sponsor. He also plays in the PGA past champions tour with about "twenty of us old timers."

"I don't know if it was worth it or not." Charlie muses. "I don't feel I was given a fair shake financially. There was a time when I first started that the Bylaws and Constitution of the PGA came right out and said only Caucasians could play the game. I'm happy that that's changed anyway."

Before there was Tiger Woods
- there was Charlie Sifford

Charlie Sifford with Tiger Woods

Charlie was on tour from 1961 through 1975 then in 1980 joined the Senior Tour and stayed until about 1990.In 1973 he was offered the job at Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville and stayed there. He had no salary; he made his money on carts.

He had had a home in California which he sold to come here and really didn't know what he was getting himself into. "Cleveland is a tough town. Make no mistake about it."

In 1986 he moved to Houston. His wife died in 1998 and he moved back to Cleveland a year later to be closer to his children.

Charlie Sifford with family

Charlie Sifford's wife Rose

Charlie Sifford - that swing, that cigar!
World Golf Hall of Fame

World Golf Hall of Fame - 2004
Isao Aoki, Tom Kite, Marlene Streit and Charlie

Charlie Sifford with Gary Player

He was in Akron with Tiger Woods and will be at the President's Cup this month. He goes to a lot of tournaments and a lot of opens, because he still loves the game. This November a new group will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in St. Augustine Florida and he'll be there to see it.

"Don't get me wrong - I made it. It's a great game and I love playing it. It's a lot of work and requires a lot of determination."

Charlie also wrote a book which was published in 1992 called Just Let Me Play: The Story of Charlie Sifford, the First Black PGA Golfer.

Asked if he would recommend the game to young black children, he doesn't hesitate for a second "I would tell young black children and any children at all, get your education first and then if you want to play the game - go for it."

Charlie Sifford at home with one of his many awards

Whether he is remembered for his golf or his impact on civil rights, Charles Sifford will definitely be remembered. As well he should.