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Lee Elder, first Black golfer to play The Masters, dies at 87

By Cody Williams

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: Honorary Starter Lee Elder of the United States (L), waves to the patrons as he is introduced and honorary starter and Masters champion Gary Player of South Africa and honorary starter and Masters champion Jack Nicklaus applaud from the first tee during the opening ceremony prior to the start of the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 08: Honorary Starter Lee Elder of the United States (L), waves to the patrons as he is introduced and honorary starter and Masters champion Gary Player of South Africa and honorary starter and Masters champion Jack Nicklaus applaud from the first tee during the opening ceremony prior to the start of the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Lee Elder was a pioneer on the PGA Tour and in the golfing world at large, becoming the first Black man to play The Masters almost 50 years ago. 

Lee Elder, an ineffable golf legend, a pioneer in breaking the game’s color barrier, and the first African American man to ever play The Masters back in 1975, passed away at 87 years old, the PGA Tour announced on Monday morning.

When the PGA Tour lifted the color barrier in 1961, Elder was among the early persons of color to earn his way onto the tour, doing so in 1968 after raising enough money to play in qualifying school the year prior. Six years later, it was his win at the 1974 Monsanto Open that earned him a spot at The Masters the following year. He missed the cut but history was made.

At The Masters in 2021, Elder was awarded the honor of participating in the ceremonial start at Augusta National Golf Club alongside fellow legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

Lee Elder left a forever-lasting impact on the PGA Tour, golf and the world

After winning his first Green Jacket, a then 21-year-old Tiger Woods accredited Elder’s triumph in earning his way to play and playing at Augusta with affording him the opportunity to play the tournament and pick up the monumental win for the young phenom.

Throughout his career, Elder accrued four PGA Tour wins in addition to two other wins worldwide and then two wins on the Japan senior tour. In the 1980s, he also won eight times on the Senior PGA Tour, capturing his final victory at the 1988 Gus Machado Senior Classic.

Both in his playing career and thereafter, Elder continuously strived to address inequality and social justice issues within the game of golf throughout the world.

Lee Elder changed the game of golf forever. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

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