It's About Time
Pioneering African-American golfer Charlie Sifford will receive the 2007 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America when the GCSAA holds its annual conference, Feb. 19-24 in Anaheim, Calif. GCSAA's most prestigious honor, the Old Tom Morris Award is presented each year to an individual who has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris.
Sifford, who risked ridicule and threats breaking through the PGA of America's Caucasian-only clause in 1961, certainly fits that description. Sifford won twice on the PGA Tour and won the 1975 PGA Seniors' Championship. Sifford also won the United Golf Association's National Negro Open six times, including five straight from 1952-56, and served as jazz singer Bill Eckstine's personal golf teacher.