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Current Video:Sifford the 'Jackie Robinson' of golf|
Charlie Sifford was the first man to break golf's color barrier, paving the way for those ahead of him.
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It's frozen at 56. Winning score that you don't play the -- It is hard to imagine the game of golf without Tiger Woods for the past fifteen years but there was a time when tiger would not have been welcome on any professional golf course. Well before his professional debut in 1996. A lesser known African American golfer challenged caucasians only clause in the pro golf association's bylaws and one. That man's name is Charlie sit. And he is regarded as the Jackie Robinson of golf for breaking the color barrier in a sport that even to this day only a handful of African Americans play. He started playing in segregated golf tournament and won the national negro open five straight years. Encouragement and other black players -- decided to try his hand at a professional golf career. He endured constant rejection and threats to his life here as he attempted to qualify for PGA tour events. Finally 1957. He -- qualified bush won the Long Beach open not a tour event but it was cosponsored by the PGA. Different talents could no longer be ignored in 1961. The PGA lifted its Caucasian only membership clause and allow Stafford to join. Become the first official African American member on the two. The next few years to compete on the tour and went on to win two events in 1967 greater Hartford open and in 1969. LA open. Tiger Woods himself said he has my respect and my gratitude for the sacrifices he made to open the doors to the great game -- people felt. His accomplishment -- -- in 2004. When he was inducted into the world golf -- they. It just this past October he was inducted into the Southern California golf association hall of me. Reflected on his -- -- said there's not a man on this tour and could've gone through what I went through to be a golfer. I still can't believe -- -- so long without breaking down or quitting the game. Charlie Sifford will always be remembered as the man with the courage and perseverance to break the golf -- Paved the way for current and future golfers of color. --