Charlie Sifford to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

November 11, 2014 by

Charlie Sifford, who became the first black player to earn a PGA Tour card, was named Monday as one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Sifford earned his status in 1961, eventually going on to win the 1967 Greater Hartford Open and 1969 Los Angeles Open. Before the dawn of the Champions Tour as it’s known today, Sifford won the 1975 Senior PGA Championship and 1980 Suntree Classic. He was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004 and remains the only black golfer ever inducted.

“I look forward to presenting these nineteen bold, inspiring Americans with our Nation’s highest civilian honor,” said President Barack Obama. “From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world.”

Tiger Woods made a rare tweet to congratulate Sifford.


The 92-year-old joins Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus as the only other golfer to earn the Medal of Freedom. Sifford will receive the medal, along with journalist Tom Brokaw, singer Stevie Wonder and actress Meryl Streep in a Nov. 24 ceremony.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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