Sifford to receive 2007 Old Tom Morris Award
Charles L. Sifford, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour, has been selected to receive the 2007 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The award will be presented at the Opening Session of the 2007 GCSAA Education Conference, Feb. 22, 2007. The conference (Feb. 19-24) will be held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show (Feb. 22-24) at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
GCSAA’s most prestigious honor, the Old Tom Morris Award is presented each year to an individual who "through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris." Morris (1821-1908) was greenkeeper and golf professional at the St. Andrews Links Trust Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland; a four-time winner of the British Open (1861, ’62, ’64 and ’67); and ranked as one of the top links designers of the 19th century.
Toughened by a tour of duty in World War II with the U.S. Army’s 24th Infantry, Sifford risked ridicule and threats breaking through the PGA of America’s Caucasian-only clause in 1961. He won twice on the PGA Tour and also captured the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship. An original member of the Champions Tour, Sifford won the 1980 Suntree Classic in Melbourne, Australia.
"We are honored to have Charlie Sifford accept this award because, like Old Tom Morris, he was also a pioneer in golf," said GCSAA President Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS. "I know our members will enjoy his message."
Born June 2, 1922, in Kingwood, Texas, Sifford grew up in Charlotte, N.C., and picked up the game at the age of 13 when he started caddying at the Carolina Country Club in Charlotte. The first African-American to win a PGA Tour event, Sifford shot a final round 64 to win the 1967 Greater Harford Open and then beat Harold Henning in a sudden death playoff to capture the 1969 Los Angeles Open. Sifford won the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open six times, including five straight from 1952-56, before joining the PGA Tour in 1960 at the age of 39. Prior to being allowed to join the tour, Sifford competed for money on the golf course, playing in celebrity tournaments, UGA tournaments and non-sanctioned PGA events. He also served as jazz singer Bill Eckstine’s personal golf teacher at one time.
"This is a much deserved honor to a man for not only his accomplishments on the course, but the course he took in life," said fellow World Golf Hall of Fame member Gary Player. "Persistence is an ingredient that is essential to success, and Charlie had that persistence."
Sifford published an autobiography, "Just Let Me Play," in 1992 and credits boxing legends Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis and ex-Dodger great Don Newcomb for their support throughout his career. He also pays tribute to African-American golfers Teddy Rhodes and Bill Spiller, who paved the way for him in the blacks-only United Golf Association. Sifford was the first African-American elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame on Nov. 15, 2004. On June 22, 2006, Sifford received an honorary degree from the University of St. Andrews as a Doctor of Laws.
"The pain, suffering and sacrifice experienced by Mr. Sifford in being a lonely pioneer for black golfers on PGA Tour will never be forgotten by me," Tiger Woods said. "His success and personal conduct will provide a blueprint and inspiration for myself and other aspiring black tour players."
As the 25th winner of the Old Tom Morris Award, Sifford joins a list of highly respected past honorees, including Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Tom Fazio, Gerald Ford, Bob Hope, Byron Nelson, Ken Venturi, Ben Crenshaw, Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, Nancy Lopez, Tim Finchem, Walter Woods, Pete Dye, Rees Jones and Jack Nicklaus.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization, which has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
The Golf Industry Show is an innovative trade show designed for the owners/operators of golf facilities, and the professional members of the golf course and club management industries. Featuring its signature interactive solution centers, as well as the largest exhibit floor in the industry, the event combines education, networking and solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators, general managers, chief operating officers, architects and builders. The Golf Industry Show is presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), along with supporting organizations, the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and the National Golf Foundation (NGF). The 2007 event will be Feb. 22-24 in Anaheim, Calif. Visit www.golfindustryshow.com.
Old Tom Morris Award Winners:
1983 Arnold Palmer
1984 Bob Hope
1985 Gerald Ford
1986 Patty Berg
1987 Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
1988 Gene Sarazen
1989 Chi Chi Rodriguez
1990 Sherwood Moore, CGCS
1991 William C. Campbell
1992 Tom Watson
1993 Dinah Shore
1994 Byron Nelson
1995 Dr. James R. Watson
1996 Tom Fazio
1997 Ben Crenshaw
1998 Ken Venturi
1999 Jaime Ortiz-Patiño
2000 Nancy Lopez
2001 Tim Finchem
2002 Walter Woods
2003 Pete Dye
2004 Rees Jones
2005 Jack Nicklaus
2006 Joseph M. Duich, Ph.D.
2007 Charles Sifford
Note: The title "CGCS," after a superintendent’s name, stands for Certified Golf Course Superintendent, which recognizes the achievement of high standards of professionalism through education and experience.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig
GCSAA Director of Communications
(800) 472-7878, ext. 4430
jbollig@gcsaa.org
