The Professional Golfers' Association of America have annouced the death of Charlie Sifford, the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour.
Sifford, the Jackie Robinson of golf, broke the colour barrier, in the game, in 1961 when he was 38-years-old, won two PGA Tour events, his first victory coming in the 1967 Greater Hartford Open. He also won at the Los Angeles Open two years later.
Tiger Woods referred to him as a grandfather. "Terrible loss for golf and me personally. My grandfather is gone, and we all lost a brave, decent and honorable man. I'll miss u Charlie," Woods tweeted. Another golfing great, Jack Nicklaus said Sifford was his playing partner for the first two rounds Nicklaus played in a PGA Tour event. He called Sifford a kind and gracious gentleman.
"Charlie led by example, handling himself with great class and dignity inside and outside the ropes. We can't underestimate the impact Charlie's career has had on the face of golf today. Charlie was a leader and an inspiration." His son, Craig, said that his father was advised by Robinson to use his smooth swing to fight the integration battle.
In a statement, PGA of America President Derek Sprague said: "By his courage, Dr. Sifford inspired others to follow their dreams. Golf was fortunate to have had this exceptional American in our midst. His love of golf, despite many barriers in his path, strengthened him as he became a beacon for diversity in our game." He was 92.
