“The Sifford family is tremendously honored for the recognition of our father’s accomplishments by the Tiger Woods Foundation and the Genesis Open,” Charles Sifford, Jr., said. “We are most certain he would beam with pride and gratitude for this momentous honor of the diversity exemption in his name. It (the renaming) is really special coming from Tiger, knowing the bond that developed between him and my father.”
The 2022 Charlie Sifford exemption is Aaron Beverly. as the recipient of the Charlie Sifford. Beverly will join the 120-player field at The Riviera Country Club February 17-20. Awarded annually since 2009, the Sifford exemption represents the advancement of diversity in the game of golf.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming Aaron Beverly to The Genesis Invitational as the 2022 Sifford Exemption,” Woods said. “Like me, Aaron learned the game from his dad. I know Charlie Sifford would be proud of Aaron as he makes his PGA Tour debut at Riviera next month.”
Beverly has most recently competed on the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour. In November, he won the APGA Tour’s Fall Series finale at Wilshire Country Club, a four-time host of the L.A. Open (1928, ’31, ’33 & ’44). Beverly was one of only three players to break par during the two-round fall series finale and earned a two-shot victory, posting a final score of four-under-par.
“Receiving the?Charlie?Sifford?Memorial?Exemption and having the opportunity to play in The Genesis Invitational is a true honor and the opportunity of a lifetime,” Beverly said. “This is the moment all my hard work and dedication has been preparing me for and I look forward to competing at Riviera.”
“I’m incredibly proud to honor my hero, Charlie Sifford, through this exemption into the Genesis Open,” tournament host, Tiger Woods, said. “His sacrifices as a pioneer for golf allowed me to play the game.”
