Lee Elder Dies at Age 87, Was 1st Black Golfer to Compete at the Masters

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Rob Goldberg is the featured Columnist IV 29, 2021.

Kevin C. Cox is a photographer.

Lee Elder, a former professional golfer, died at the age of 87.

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Lee Elder passed away at the age of 87. He was the first African American to compete in the Masters Tournament.
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Lee was honored at Augusta National in April and his legacy will live on.

Elder was the first black man to compete at the Masters in 1975. He finished inside the top 20 twice at Augusta.

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The first black man to play at the Masters was Lee Elder.
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The legend spoke about what it meant to be an official starter along with Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus at this year's tournament.
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The Texas native won four times on the PGA Tour, including the 1974 Monsanto Open that earned him the initial invite to the Masters Tournament.
Elder said he rented two houses so people wouldn't know where he was staying after receiving threats.

He received a large applause from the crowd when he was honored by the tournament as an honorary starter.

Elder said that it was one of the most emotional experiences he had ever witnessed or been involved in. It is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Elder helped the United States win the 1979 Ryder Cup.

He earned nine wins on the PGA Champions Tour.