
Dr. Charles L. Sifford Course
Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course

About this course
Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course is a municipal facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, named in honor of the pioneering African American professional golfer who broke the color barrier on the PGA Tour. The course was renovated by Clyde Johnston, a North Carolina-based architect known for his work on public and resort courses throughout the region. Johnston's redesign brought modern playability standards to this accessible city-owned layout. The course serves Charlotte's diverse golfing community as an affordable option for daily-fee play. As a municipal facility, it provides an important entry point for junior golfers and recreational players seeking to learn the game. The routing works within the rolling Piedmont terrain characteristic of the Charlotte area, where elevation changes and mature tree corridors shape the playing corridors. The course honors Charlie Sifford's legacy as a trailblazer who endured significant hardship to compete at professional golf's highest level. Sifford, who lived in Charlotte during his later years, won twice on the PGA Tour in the 1960s after the organization finally removed its "Caucasian-only" clause. His perseverance opened doors for generations of minority golfers who followed. The facility's name serves as both recognition of his achievements and a reminder of golf's complex history with inclusion and access.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in NC
Quick facts
- Location
- Charlotte, NC, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1937
- Holes
- 9
- Designer
- (R) Clyde Johnston
- Par
- 35
- Length
- 2,936 yards
- Difficulty
- 34/121
- Course Vaults score
- 6.3
Getting there
The Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course is most easily reached via Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), situated just eight miles west of the course in the heart of Charlotte's urban landscape. From CLT, the drive to the course takes approximately fifteen minutes, threading through the city's established neighborhoods before arriving at the course's location in the southeast quadrant of Charlotte. For those seeking private aviation, Charlotte's regional facilities provide convenient alternatives, though the course's accessibility via major commercial routes underscores its role as a vital public and semi-private venue within the city proper. The final approach carries you through Charlotte's tree-lined residential streets, a fitting transition that honors both the course's historic significance and its commitment to making championship golf accessible to the community.

FAQ
Common questions about Dr. Charles L. Sifford
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Dr. Charles L. Sifford has a Course Vaults score of 6.3 out of 10 based on 35 logged golfers.
Dr. Charles L. Sifford was designed by (R) Clyde Johnston.
Yes. Dr. Charles L. Sifford is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Dr. Charles L. Sifford is 35.
Dr. Charles L. Sifford plays 2,936 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Dr. Charles L. Sifford is 121.





