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Charlie Sifford was the first black to play on the PGA tour in 1961. I had the pleasure of speaking with Russ Crockett, a close friend of Mr. Sifford for 20 years and part of the group putting on the "2022 Charlie Sifford Centennial Celebration".

Russ breaks down all of the details about the celebration and he shares some fantastic personal stories, about his time with Mr. Sifford.

ABOUT CHARLIE SIFFORD:

• Winner of six Negro National Open titles.
• Honored as one of the top 100 people in the first Century of Golf.
• In 1961, joined Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) as first black card-holding member.
• Remained among top 60 money winners on PGA Tour through the 1960’s.
• Won more than $1.2 million on PGA Tour and Senior Tour.
• First black golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Class of 2004.
• Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in 2006.
• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014.
• Tiger Woods named his son “Charlie” after Charlie Sifford.

GET CENTENNIAL INFO

• Instagram
• Charlie Sifford Centennial Cigar
• Centennial Edition of "Just Let Me Play"

[01:51] Russ Shares his background and talks about his introduction to the game of golf.

[03:13] The first time Russ met Mr. Sifford. This story is classic!

[05:39] Russ shares a story about the hole in one he shot while playing with Charlie.

[08:21] What does a conversation between two golf legends sound like? Well Russ got to listen first hand and he shares the story of Charlie and Jack Burke Jr. having a conversation.

[11:21] Russ talks about how the Centennial Celebrations came to be and all of the things that are in the works.

[22:15] Russ shares more about his golf game