Tiger Woods would not have become the legendary golfer he is if not for Dr. Charles ‘Charlie’ Sifford. But who was Dr. Sifford? The North Carolina native was the first African American to break the “Caucasian only” policy of the PGA of America and was the first black golfer to play a PGA-sanctioned event in 1961. Being the first African American golfer, Woods had a special connection with Dr. Sifford.

In an interview with the Associated Press, the 82-time winner recalled how his father, Earl Woods, and Sifford had become close friends. Per their friendship, Earl Woods picked up golf and also trained his son in the game. Woods, honoring Sifford’s legacy, said, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Charlie,.. I may not be playing golf. My pop wouldn’t have likely picked up the sport, and I wouldn’t have either.”

Not only an inspiration for Woods, the Jackie Robinson of golf was also a grandfather of the 48-year-old that he never had. Because of the close relationship and Sifford’s contribution to golf, Woods named his son, Charlie Woods, in honor of Dr. Sifford and did not even tell the family. The son of Sifford, Charles Sifford Jr. told the Queen City News, “It was a great honor” that Woods named his child after his father.

Woods continues to contribute to the game of golf for people of different ethnicities, following in the footsteps of Dr. Sifford, who opened doors for all ethnicities after breaking into the PGA of America. Woods has been carrying his legacy forward. What kind of bond did the 48-year-old share with Dr. Sifford before his demise in 2015?

Tiger Woods and Dr. Sifford’s relationship

As mentioned earlier, Tiger Woods’s father and Dr. Sifford were good friends. Therefore, during his formative years, young Woods drew inspiration from Dr. Sifford, who began his career as a caddie. And although Woods at the start was not a friend of Sifford, he slowly came to be. Even after the death of Earl Woods in 2006, the two stayed close.

Dr. Sifford’s son, Sifford Jr. remembered the relationship between Dr. Sifford and Woods. He stated, “They would call each other and talk, and (Tiger) would send emails and text messages, have him in his locker. You know, when he was leading the tournament (my dad) would say go out there and get that trophy and get that cash.” Woods and Sifford’s passion for golf kept them closely connected throughout the years.

While one paved the way for a more inclusive golf landscape in America, the other is continuously growing the game with his TGR Foundation and helping the youth succeed in it. Who knows, after many years, someone might name their child after Tiger Woods for all the great things he has done for the game of golf.