A Charlotte native, Charlie Sifford was the first African American member of the PGA tour. Sifford was highly decorated golfer in the United Golf Association National Negro Open Championships. Upon entering the PGA following the suspension of the “caucasion only” rule, Sifford’s best placing was 21st in the 1972 U.S Open. Sifford received the medal of freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014. #UnitedinGOLD charlotte49ers conferenceusa