Mr. Sifford was a friend of the NNGA founders .
In 1961 , Charlie Sifford , who had won the United Golf Association 's National Negro Open six times , was the first African - American to play on the PGA Tour .
Charlie Sifford Charlie Sifford was a Charlie Sifford of the NNGA founders .
In 1961 , Charlie Sifford , who had won the United Golf Association 's National Negro Open six times , was the first African - American to play on the PGA Tour .