On this day, Charlie Sifford made history by winning the Long Beach Open, becoming the first African American golfer to win a significant professional golf tournament. Although the Long Beach Open was not an official PGA Tour event, the victory was groundbreaking, as it marked a major step toward integrating the sport.
Sifford later became the first Black golfer to earn a PGA Tour card in 1961 and went on to win official PGA Tour events. His courage and perseverance paved the way for future generations of Black golfers, including Tiger Woods. In recognition of his contributions, Sifford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
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