Often called the Jackie Robinson of golf, Sifford broke
golf's color barrier when he was allowed to play on the tour in
1961.
Sifford recorded two PGA wins, in 1967 and 1969, though he
enjoyed many other victories in the prime of his golfing career
prior to being allowed on tour.
Tiger Woods has often credited Sifford for paving the way for
his own golfing path, and affectionately called him his
'grandpa'.
Sifford's trail-blazing career continued after his playing days.
He became the first African American to be inducted into the
World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004 and was awarded the Presidential
Medal of Freedom this past November.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|