by Jeff Hall and Jeremy Harness

Charlie Sifford who was the PGA’s first black golfer and broke the color bearer of the sport in 1961 at the age of 38 passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92 the Professional Golfers Association announced. Former Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson who himself broke the baseball color bearer told Sifford to approach the game smoothly in his way to fight the integration battle, “which I think is the way he went through his struggles, smooth quietz” said Craig Sifford Sifford’s son as told to CNN News.

Sifford’s love of the game was uncanny and he approached it with his smooth swing and it made him notable during his time in the PGA “His love of golf despite many bearers in his path, strengthened him as he became a beacon for diversity in our game. By his courage, Dr.Sifford inspired others to follow their dreams. Golf was fortunate to have had this exceptional American in their midst.” said PGA President Derek Sprauge.

Tiger Woods paid tribute to Sifford referring to Sifford as his grandfather saying it was a terrible loss today, “terrible loss for golf and me personally. My grandfather is gone and we lost a brave, decent honorable man, I’ll miss you Charlie” tweeted Woods. Jack Nicklaus said that he played his first two rounds of golf with Sifford when he first broke in, Nicklaus said he will never forget Sifford for being kind and generous.

“Charlie led by example, handling himself with class and dignity inside and outside the ropes. We can’t underestimate the impact that Charlie’s career has had on the face of golf today. Charlie was a leader and an inspiration” said Nicklaus. Even President Obama honored Sifford at the White House recognizing one of golf’s great pioneers “Charlie was sometimes banned from clubhouse restaurants. Folks threatened him, shouted slurs from the gallery, kicked his ball into the rough. Charlie is laughing about that-my ball is always in the rough” said the President.

Pebble Beach has announced it’s tournament schedule: Mon Feb 9 will be practice rounds with spectator viewing available at the Pebble Beach golf links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Tue Feb 10: practice rounds all three golf courses. Also all eight world trophies will be on display at the front entrance, Cheveron presents a shootout at the Pebble Beach golf links 1st tee.

Wed Feb 11: Practice rounds all three courses. 11 AM celebrity 3M Challenge Pebble Beach Golf holes 1, 2, 3, 17 & 18.

Thu Feb 12: Let the games begin 8 AM first round all three courses. Fri Feb 13: 8:00AM second round all three courses, Sat Feb 14: third round all three courses and Sun Feb 15: 7:30 AM Final round Pebble Beach Golf Links 60 low pros and 25 low teams.

Jeremy Harness and Jeff Hall are covering this year’s PGA AT&T Tournament at Pebble Beach keep it right here for the exclusive coverage.