Who was the First African-American to play in the PGA?

Charlie Sifford is an important name in American sports. He became the first African-American playing member of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour, joining a sport that, until 1961, had a “whites only” clause in its by-laws.

Enduring racial injustice and harassment, Sifford earned his place at the game’s highest level, won two tournaments, and in 2004 was the first African-American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Charlie Sifford opened the doors of professional golf for players of all ethnic backgrounds.

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11 Comments

Bob Gorby

ABC Wide World of Sports aired a variety of unusual competitions. One Saturday afternoon, it was longest-drives. The white long-ball-hitters went first. After they had done what damage they could, Charlie Sifford stepped up, teed-up, and whacked the ball 30 yards past the current distance holder's longest ball. That was his warm up. For good measure, he let loose on the next drive. It went another 30 yards past his initial shot. And that was that!

Bill Coe

Sifford was the first to get a PGA Tour card. But the question was, "Who was the first African American to PLAY..." Would that not have been John Shipppen? 1896: John Shippen, whose father was African-American and whose mother was Shinnecock Indian, plays in the second U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where he worked as a caddie, at the age of 17.

Shirley Dutt

There should never have been a color barrier. But, that's only wishful thinking on my part. Sometimes it boggles the mind to try and figure things out.

Robin Heckler

Even though Dewey Brown was not one of the choices, jonbroberts was correct in pointing out the he was in fact the first African American to play in the PGA. That was back in 1929.