The 2019 Genesis Open will have a fresh face in the field as Tiger Woods announced Tim O’Neal as this year’s recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption on Wednesday, given to a player chosen to represent diversity in the game of golf.
Charlie Sifford was the first African American to play on the PGA Tour and won the 1969 LA Open - his final PGA Tour victory - 50 years ago this year.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Tim compete in the Genesis Open,” Woods said. “Like Charlie did as a player, Tim has shown great determination in his professional career.