Former Sacramento State golfer selected by Tiger Woods to play in PGA Tour event

The texts, calls and messages flooded Aaron Beverly’s inbox so much his phone died multiple times throughout the day.

That’s what happens when you’re selected by Tiger Woods to play in the Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event. Beverly, a former Sacramento State golfer and Fairfield resident, was selected as the recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption earlier this week.

The announcement was made by Tiger Woods, who is hosting the tournament.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming Aaron Beverly to The Genesis Invitational as the 2022 Sifford Exemption,” Woods said in a news release. “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 will join the 120-player field at The Riviera Country Club for the PGA Tour event on Feb. 17-20. Sifford was the first African American to play in PGA Tour events. Woods has referred to Sifford, who died in 2015, as the grandfather he never had. The Sifford exemption has been awarded annually since 2009 and it represents “the advancement and diversity in the game of golf.”

“It was a surreal moment to hear that Tiger Woods had selected me to play,” Beverly said in a phone interview Thursday. “The first emotion was a bit of shock, the second was a kind of a joy and sense of pride ... my phone died five times because of all the notifications. It was great to see the support. Slightly overwhelming, but amazing at the same time.”

He added, “Me getting the Charlie Sifford (Memorial) Exemption stands out because of who Mr. Sifford was and what he represented. He was golf’s version of Jackie Robinson. He was the first African American to earn her tour card. ... He paved the way.”

Beverly is a current assistant coach at Sacramento State for the men’s golf team and an assistant club professional at Valley Hi Country Club. During his collegiate career with the Hornets, he was a two-time Big Sky Player of the Year and qualified for a pair of NCAA regionals. Beverly also had 10 top-three finishes at Sacramento State.

Beverly has played professionally on several mini-tours. He most recently competed on the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour.

“I love the city, team and (Sacramento State),” Beverly said. “Representing the 916 is an honor and is really a privilege.”