Charlie Sifford was born on June 2, 1922 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. He was married to Rose Crumbley. He died on February 3, 2015 in Brecksville, Ohio, USA.
First black golfer to play in the PGA (1960) and first to win a PGA
event (1967 Greater Hartford Open). One of his early mentors was Clayton Heafner.
Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. First black player
to receive this honor.
While playing in Phoenix in 1952, he and other black golfers reached the green on the first hole, only to find human feces in the cup. After he made a shot, spectators sometimes kicked his golf ball into the rough or hid it under garbage.
During WWII, he served in the Army in the Pacific and was a member of a military golf team. After his discharge, he became a valet and golf coach for several years to singer Billy Eckstine.
I really would like to know how good I could have been with a fair chance. I loved the game, and I had a gift, but I had too much pressure. I will never know.