Lee Elder Has Passed Away Aged 87

Lee Elder, the first African American man to play at the Masters, has passed away at the age of 87. Elder’s ground-breaking achievement in competing at Augusta National was recognised in April this year.

He would go on to play in the Masters six more times, with a best finish of tied for 17th.

He also collected four titles in his PGA Tour career and added a further eight wins after joining the Senior PGA Tour in 1984.

Sky Sports wrote: “After being discharged from the Army in 1961 he joined the United Golf Association Tour for Black players and enjoyed plenty of success, winning 18 out of 22 tournaments during one stretch, although the prize money was low.”

“But Elder earned his PGA Tour card in 1967 and finished 40th in the Order of Merit in his debut season, although he had to wait six years for his first victory as he edged out England’s Peter Oosterhuis in a play-off at the Monsanto Open in 1974, the win that earned him his place at the Masters the following year.”

Messages of condolences have flooded in from all over the sporting industry.

Mr. Lee Elder… one of my heroes… words don't do justice to the impact you had on golf and the Black community. All I can say right now is thank you for blazing the trail. It's on us to stay the course and keep going in your honor. Rest easy legend ?? pic.twitter.com/la0ccbBp5N

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) November 29, 2021

Rest in Peace, Lee.

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