Lee Elder

Lee Elder became a pivotal figure in golf history, notably becoming the first Black golfer to qualify for and play in the Masters Tournament in 1975 after his significant victory at the Monsanto Open in 1974. His groundbreaking participation at Augusta National led to him competing in the Masters five more times, where he achieved two top-20 finishes. Elder began his professional career in 1959, subsequently joining the United Golf Association Tour for Black players and achieving an impressive 18 wins out of 22 consecutive tournaments. The PGA Tour card followed in 1967, after the organization lifted its ‘Caucasian-only’ clause in 1961.

Transitioning to the Senior PGA Tour in 1984, Elder continued his winning ways, securing eight more professional titles between 1984 and 1988. These victories included the Suntree Senior Classic (1984), the Hilton Head Seniors International (1984), the Denver Post Champions of Golf (1985), the Merrill Lynch/Golf Digest Commemorative Pro-Am (1985), the Digital Seniors Classic (1985), the Citizens Union Senior Golf Classic (1985), another Merrill Lynch/Golf Digest Commemorative title (1986), and the Gus Machado Senior Classic (1988). His enduring legacy and contributions to golf were recognized in 2019 when he received the USGA’s Bob Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship. In a poignant moment affirming his historical impact, Elder took part in the ceremonial start of the Masters Tournament in 2021, underscoring his indelible role as a trailblazer in professional golf.