Golf has been considered one of the greatest sports, thanks to the contribution of icons such as Arnold Palmer. No matter how much the Hall of Famer is appreciated, it would still not be equivalent to his feats in sports. However, his former opponent and legendary golfer, Charlie Sifford, who was publicly admired by Tiger Woods, once had some kind words for Palmer and his influence on golf.

In 1960, Sifford broke all the barriers, after becoming the first black golfer to earn a PGA Tour card. 44 years later, he joined yet another elite club by becoming the first black golfer to be inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame. Despite achieving so much, he still had some kind words for his former opponent.

Tiger Woods’ idol praises the legend, Arnold Palmer

Undoubtedly, Palmer was one of the first golfers who spread his wings beyond the boundaries of golf. The 7 time Major winner has always thought beyond and was ahead of everyone else when it came to commercialization.

During an interview years ago, Charlie Sifford signified the role Palmer played in promoting the sport of golf. “If it wasn’t for Arnold, some of these scraggly wimps would be out picking cotton today”, said Sifford. He added, “If they realized what he meant to golf, they’d get down and kiss his feet.”

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Many give Arnold Palmer the credit for making golf a billion-dollar empire. Though Palmer never got to join the 9-figure net worth club, years later, Tiger Woods became the first golfer ever to become a billionaire. Similar to Sifford’s admiration towards Palmer, Woods had some amazing words to share about Charlie Sifford once.

We would never witness Tiger play golf if it weren’t for Sifford

It’s been nearly seven years since Sifford passed away. The news of his passing sent the golf world into misery. Among many respecting his legacy, also included the 15-time Major winner, Tiger Woods.

Tiger admitted that he would’ve never been a golfer if it wasn’t for Charlie Sifford. “It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Charlie, and the other pioneers who fought to play, I may not be playing golf”, said Woods after hearing of his passing in 2015.

Though he may have given credit to Arnold Palmer for becoming the pioneer of the sport, Sifford’s contribution to golf is no less. The Hall of Famer opened the gate for a generation of young aspiring golfers, out of whom has gone on to become one of the greatest.

What are your thoughts on Sifford’s comment on Arnold Palmer? Let us know in the comments section below.

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