He played in all four major championships, tying for 11th at both the 1974 PGA Championship and the 1979 U.S. The highlight of his rookie year was a memorable loss to Nicklaus on the fifth hole of a sudden-death playoff at the American Golf Classic.Įlder would go on to capture four PGA Tour victories and eight more wins on the PGA Tour Champions for 50-and-over players. Finally, at the age of 33, Elder was able to afford PGA qualifying school, where he earned his first tour card for the 1968 season. He developed into one of the UGA’s best players, but meager prize money made it tough to earn a living. He was able to polish his game while serving in the Army and, after his discharge, joined the United Golf Association Tour for Black players in the early 1960s. His presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to be celebrated.”Įlder got into golf as a caddie, since that essentially was the only conduit Black people had to be permitted on the course. Lee will always be a part of the history of the Masters Tournament. “Lee was an inspiration to so many young men and women of color not only through his play but also through his commitment to education and community. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lee Elder,” Ridley said in a statement. “For me and my family, I think it was one of the most emotional experiences that I have ever witnessed or been involved in,” he said.įred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, called Elder “a true pioneer in the game of golf.” This past April, in the wake of social justice protests that roiled the nation, the Masters honored Elder by having him join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial opening tee shots.Įlder was in poor health and unable to take a swing, but he held up his driver proudly at the first tee, clearly moved by the moment. Joanne Shenandoah, celebrated Native American singer, dies

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