CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Truist Championship, in partnership with the Charlotte Trail of History, today unveiled a commemorative statue honoring Dr. Charles Sifford at Elizabeth Park, celebrating the trailblazing golfer’s enduring legacy and ties to the Charlotte community.

The ceremony marked the launch of Truist Championship Tuesday, a new initiative designed to extend the championship’s impact beyond tournament week and invest meaningfully in the community year-round. Tuesday’s unveiling brought together tournament representatives, civic leaders and members of the Sifford family to reflect on Dr. Sifford’s historic role in breaking color barriers in professional golf and his lasting influence in Charlotte and beyond.

“The Truist Championship is proud to have partnered with the Trail of History to spotlight Dr. Sifford’s story that is defined by his excellence, courage and lasting impact in professional golf,” said Adam Sperling, executive director of the Truist Championship. “Launching Truist Championship Tuesday with this commemorative statue is a powerful way to honor Dr. Sifford’s legacy in his hometown while reaffirming our commitment to creating meaningful moments in Charlotte that extend far beyond tournament week.”

The statue was created by acclaimed sculptor Emmanuel Gillespie, who worked closely with the partners and the Sifford family to ensure the piece authentically reflects Sifford’s presence and significance.

“The Trail of History is delighted to welcome the addition of Dr. Charles Sifford as our 12th project,” said Scott Syfert, chair of the Charlotte Trail of History. “Since 2010, the TOH has sought to recognize outstanding individuals who made important contributions to Mecklenburg County across its 250-year history. We are very grateful to not only Emmanuel for his artwork but also to Truist, the Truist Championship and the PGA TOUR for their leadership as we commemorate Dr. Sifford’s sporting legacy.”

Dr. Charles “Charlie” Sifford (1922–2015) was a pioneering professional golfer whose courage and perseverance helped break the color barrier in the sport. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sifford began caddying on segregated golf courses at age 13 and turned professional in 1948, competing primarily in tournaments organized by Black golfers while barred from the PGA. He won the United Golf Association’s National Negro Open six times before making history in 1961 as the first African American to join the PGA Tour. Over his career, Sifford competed in more than 400 PGA events, won the 1975 PGA Seniors’ Championship, and earned induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. In recognition of his lasting impact on golf and civil rights, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

“The Sifford family would like to thank Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Trail of History, Truist Championship, Truist and all the other sponsors that made this moment possible,” said Charlie Sifford Jr. “I believe never in his wildest thoughts that a day like this would happen in his hometown of Charlotte. You are not just honoring my Father’s legacy, you are continuing it. Thank you so very much.”

As title sponsor of the Truist Championship, Truist emphasized the alignment between the tournament’s community commitment and the values embodied by Sifford.

“On this inaugural Truist Championship Tuesday, we’re honored to dedicate this moment to Dr. Charlie Sifford and the values he embodied that resonate so deeply with our purpose at Truist,” said Dontá Wilson, Truist chief consumer and small business banking officer. “Dr. Sifford didn’t just change the game of golf. He changed who got a chance to play it, and his legacy inspires us all to make sure more people get that chance on the course, in their communities, and in life.”

The Truist Championship returns to Quail Hollow Club May 6-10, 2026. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TruistChampionship.com.