Golden Flashes Alum Johnson Awarded Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption
1/23/2024 11:58:00 AM | Men's Golf
2018 All-American Chase Johnson was awarded the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption by golfing legend Tiger Woods.
The exemption, which has gone on since 2009, is awarded to a golfer that represents the advancement of diversity in the sport. Johnson will now be competing in the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles from Feb. 15-18 at Riviera Country Club.
"It's a great honor to receive such a prestigious award associated with two trailblazers of the game. The way Charlie and Tiger have changed the game of golf is incredible," said Johnson. "I am proud to have been chosen and I look forward to representing them the best way I can."
The former Golden Flash is coming off a number of notable successes on both the PGA and APGA tour in 2023. After winning the John Shippen Classic, Johnson competed in the PGA's Rocket Mortgage Classic in June of 2023, making the first cut of his career on the tour.
On the APGA tour this past year, Johnson won three events and notched seven second-place finishes. The 15 time major winner Woods and his former coach spoke on Johnson's recent success.
"Chase earned the 2024 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption with his play over the past year," Woods said. "He let his game speak for itself, and that is something I know Charlie would be proud of."
"I am so happy for Chase to get this opportunity," said Kent State men's golf coach Jon Mills. "It's great to see his hard work and determination pay off."
February's appearance will mark the 4th PGA Tour event of Johnson's career.
