Road to Progress

Charlie Sifford plays in his first PGA Tour

Charlie Sifford was the first African American to compete in PGA-sanctioned events following the removal of the PGA’s “Caucasian-only” membership clause in 1961. Sifford went on to win PGA Tour events in 1967 and 1969 as well as the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship and was the first African American to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

01/01/1957

1957

RISE Road to Progress

Explore the RISE Road to Progress to see how sports have spurred social change throughout history. Our interactive digital timeline chronicles the intersection of sports and social justice and the important role athletes have played in advancing equity and civil rights throughout history.