Charlie Sifford Exemption debuts at Northern Trust Open

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The Northern Trust Open, which as the Los Angeles Open more than half a century ago was open to African American golfers while the PGA of America still maintained its racially exclusionary policy, has added a feature in keeping with its history.

The tournament announced the Charlie Sifford Exemption, in which a sponsor’s exemption will be given to a minority golfer who would not otherwise be eligible for the event, Feb. 19-22 at the Riviera Country Club.

Sifford, who was instrumental in getting the PGA’s ‘Caucasians-only’ rule overturned in 1961, won the L.A. Open at Rancho Park in 1969. African Americans such as Bill Spiller and Teddy Rhodes, who were essentially limited to playing in events on the United Golf Assn. tour for African Americans, also played in L.A. before the PGA Tour was open to black golfers.

‘This is a great day,’ Sifford said in a statement. ‘I am honored beyond words to see this exemption help the next generation of top golfers.’

The announcement of the player given the exemption isn’t expected until the Friday before the tournament begins.

-- Mike James