The Charlie Sifford Award, Presented by Southern Company

About the Award

The Charlie Sifford Award was created in 2021 by the World Golf Hall of Fame to honor an individual who personifies Sifford’s groundbreaking achievements of advancing diversity in golf through perseverance, respect and adaptability.

The World Golf Hall of Fame in partnership with Southern Company is committed to ensuring Sifford’s legacy endures for future generations by recognizing others who are devoted to making golf an environment for all. 

Charlie Sifford’s Legacy

Although he turned professional in 1948, Sifford was excluded from the PGA Tour until 1961, when he became the first African American to compete as a member. Despite the injustice of having some of his best years behind him, Sifford won the Travelers Championship, in 1967, and Genesis Invitational, in 1969. The Genesis Invitational now offers a tournament exemption each year (in his name) to a player who represents the advancement of diversity in golf.

In 2004, Sifford was inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his historic contributions in breaking barriers for generations of minority golfers who would follow in his footsteps, including Tiger Woods. Sifford also was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014) prior to his passing in 2015. 

Recipients

2022: Renee Powell                   Acceptance Speech  |  Induction Ceremony Feature

2024: Stephen Curry                 Acceptance Speech  |  Induction Ceremony Feature