True Original Past Honorees

True Original Award

The True Original Award was established to recognize and honor African American trailblazers who have impacted golf history and are avid golf enthusiasts. We celebrate iconic honorees from various industries for their strong character, perseverance, originality, and pursuit of excellence.

2025 Honoree

LaRee Pearl Sugg
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2024 Honoree

Dr. George F. Grant 25 Year Anniversary
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2023 Honoree

Gary Sheffield
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Anthony Anderson Delivery
OTGC X DOUG WILLIAMS
In 2007, the Original Tee Golf Classic (OTGC) proudly honored Dr. Charles L. Sifford and established the True Original Award in his honor. The OTGC continues to celebrate his legacy by bestowing the True Original Award on individuals exemplifying the commitment, passion, fearlessness, and original style that Dr. Sifford so gracefully embodied. Our True Original Honorees have included:
Luther Campbell “Uncle Luke”
We proudly honored Luther Campbell, rapper, record executive, and actor, with the 2019 True Original Award.
Anthony Anderson
We proudly honored Anthony Anderson, comedian, actor, writer, and game show host, with the 2018 True Original Award.
Doug Williams
We proudly honored Doug Williams, Super Bowl Champion, with the 2017 True Original Award.
Smokey Robinson
We proudly honored Smokey Robinson, legendary singer, songwriter, and producer, with the 2016 True Original Award.
Lee Elder
We proudly honored Lee Elder, the first African American to compete in The Masters, with the 2015 True Original Award.
Beverly Johnson
We honored supermodel and entrepreneur Beverly Johnson as the recipient of our 2014 True Original Award.
Renee Powell
We honored golf legend and true golf royalty Renee Powell as the recipient of our 2013 True Original Award.
George Gervin
We honored NBA legend and Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Gervin as the recipient of our 2012 True Original Award.
Samuel Jones
We honored NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Samuel “Mr. Clutch” Jones as the recipient of our 2011 True Original Award.
Julius Erving
We honored NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving as the recipient of our 2008 True Original Award.
Dr. Charlie Sifford
The True Original Award was established in 2007 to honor Dr. Charles L. Sifford and other pioneers.