Golfer and activist Dr. Charlie Sifford dies at 92

Golf legend and civil rights activist Dr. Charlie Sifford has passed away, aged 92. The former sportsman was hospitalised in Cleveland, Ohio after he suffered a stroke last month (Jan15) and he died on Tuesday (03Feb15).
Sifford was most famous for striking a major blow for black golfers when he helped desegregate the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America in 1961 by challenging the organisation’s “whites-only” membership clause.
He received an honorary degree in law from the University of St Andrews in Scotland in 2006, and in November (14), he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom – America’s highest civilian honour – by President Barack Obama.
PGA of America president Derek Sprague says, “It is with great sadness that the world of golf has lost an uncommon and faithful servant in PGA Member Dr. Charles L. Sifford. His love of golf, despite many barriers in his path, strengthened him as he became a beacon for diversity in our game. By his courage, Dr. Sifford inspired others to follow their dreams. The PGA of America extends its thoughts and prayers to Dr. Sifford’s family. Golf was fortunate to have had this exceptional American in our midst.”