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The man who integrated professional golf has passed. Charles Sifford began to explore a career in the sport of Golf at age 13 as a caddy. In 1948 he turned professional but could only golf in tournaments organized by fellow black golfers. His first attempt to join the Professional Golfers Association was in 1952 with the help of legendary Boxer Joe Louis.

Tiger Woods spoke on the passing of Sifford. “(This is a) terrible loss for golf and me personally. My grandfather is gone and we all lost a brave, decent and honorable man. I’ll miss you Charlie” said Woods in a statement.

In 1961 Sifford broke Golf’s color barrier as he became an official member of the PGA, making him the first African-American on the tour. In 1975 he won the PGA Seniors Tour Championship (Golfer’s over 50 years of age). In 2004, Sifford was named to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Last year President Barack Obama awarded him with the Presidential Medal Of Freedom which is the highest award a american civilian can receive.

In his career, Sifford has 2 PGA Tour Wins, 1 Senior PGA/Champions Tour Win and 19 Negro/Unsanctioned wins.