Sad news from the world of golf today as Lee Elder, the first Black golfer to play in the Masters, has passed away at the age of 87.
Elder made his historic debut at Augusta National in 1975, breaking a color barrier in a sport that wasn’t welcoming to Black golfers or Black people.
“I was shaking so badly, I did not know if I was even going to be able to tee up the ball,” said Elder at the time.
“How I got through it I do not know, just with the help of the Almighty I got there and was able to put my ball on the tee.”
It wasn’t an easy decision for Elder due to the hate and animosity he received.
But despite the vicious reaction to his qualifying for the Masters, he recognized the importance of what he could do.
“I think the reason why was there had been so much talk about no Black man playing at Augusta, and after all that, I wasn’t going to qualify and not go.”
So he showed up, nervous but undeterred.
Elder was a four-time PGA Tour title winner, capturing titles at the 1974 Monsanto Open, the 1976 Houston Open, the 1978 Greater Milwaukee Open and the 1978 American Express Westchester Classic. Over his career, he played in five more Masters and 34 major championships in total, putting together seven top-25 finishes.
In 1979, Elder became the first Black man to represent the United States Ryder Cup team, where he played in the 17-11 win over Europe.
Elder’s legendary career inspired many both on and off the course.
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