Charlie Sifford & Renee Powell: First African American PGA qualifiers

 Pioneers in Golf

Charlie Sifford made his mark in golf becoming the first Black player to earn a PGA card, qualifying him for the professional golf tour in 1961. This milestone came a full decade after the color barrier had fallen in professional football, basketball, and baseball. Sifford competed in 12 U.S. Opens six PGA championships and became the first black player inducted into the World Gold Hall of Fame. However, he never played at the Masters, which he once called "the most redneck tournament in the country." 

Renee Powell 

While Sifford was a trailblazer on the PGA Tour, Renee Powell made history as the first Black woman to become a PGA of America member and the second Black professional to play on the LPGA of America member and the second close bond through their participation in various United Golf Association (UGA) tournaments during the 1960s.

Sifford once famously said, "I don't smile much, and I never laugh, if you'd been through what I've been through, you wouldn't 't be smiling either." His words reflect the significant challenges he faced and the resilience he demonstrated in breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black golfers.