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Black golfing legend Charles Sifford dies, aged 92

Pioneering golfer Charles Sifford, the first African-American to play on the PGA Tour, dies aged 92.

Pioneering black golfer Dr Charles Sifford has passed away, aged 92.

Sifford became the first African-American to play in PGA-sanctioned events in 1961 when the "Caucasian-only" membership clause was dropped.

His two Tour victories came in 1967 and 1969, but the former caddie had celebrated many more wins prior to his official admission.

Fourteen-time Major champion Tiger Woods cites the North Carolina native as a great influence on his career and tweeted a tribute this morning.

Woods posted: "Terrible loss for golf and me personally. My grandfather is gone and we all lost a brave, decent and honorable man. I'll miss u Charlie."

Sifford, who became the first African-American to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian award in the United States - last November.

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Tiger Woods of the United States hits a tee shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 96th US PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on August 6, 2014
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