Lee Elder, the first black golfer to play at The Masters in 1975, died at the age of 87 on Monday.
Thanks to Elder, other black golfers could participate in some of the biggest golf tournaments in the world. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods was able to win those tournaments thanks to Elder, for example.
Golfers and athletes from other sports showed respect to Elder after news of his death broke Monday. Jack Nicklaus, who won the Masters that year in 1975, honored Elder on Twitter:
Lee Elder was a pioneer in many ways. Yes, he was the first black golfer to play @Teachers, but that just underscored the hard work Lee put in to advance the cause of all who have a dream to play in the @PGATOUR and think that there were too many barriers before them.
– Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) November 29, 2021
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At the 2021 Masters, Elder joined Nicklaus and Gary Player as honorary starters at the ceremonial first tee. It was the first time Elder participated in this annual tradition. Player also honored Elder on Twitter.
I would like to send my condolences to Lee Elder’s wife and family at this difficult time. Lee was a true titan in the world of golf and a great contributor to society. He overcame a host of obstacles throughout his life, but he always remained gentle. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/AJZZETv1XO
– GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) November 29, 2021
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Elder was a four-time PGA Tour winner after turning pro in 1959. He won his first Tour event in 1974 at the Monsanto Open, which is how he was able to qualify for the 1975 Masters. However, he competed in his first major tournament in 1966 at the US Open. His last major tournament was in 1984 at the PGA Championship, and he missed the cut. He officially retired in 2005, but his last victory was in 1988 on the Senior Tour.
Harold Varner III, currently on the PGA Tour, posted a video Monday explaining how important Elder was to his golf career:
Be on the lookout for those who come after you. Lee Elder was an incredible contribution to the game and made history for his talent, not just for being African American. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him. My prayers to the Elder family at this time. pic.twitter.com/FBPtzdmkro
– Harold Varner III (@ HV3_Golf) November 29, 2021
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The elderly also impacted athletes in other sports. Tennis legend Billie Jean King, who was the first openly gay tennis player, honored Elder on Twitter. NBA star Steph Curry also wrote an extensive post expressing his gratitude to the late Elder.
In 1975, Lee Elder became the first black golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament.
He also broke other color barriers.
A pioneer, an athlete and a true gentleman.
May he rest in peace while his legacy lives on. https://t.co/jScCHdgyQp
– Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 29, 2021
Mr. Lee Elder … one of my heroes … words do not do justice to the impact he had on golf and the black community. All I can say now is thank you for leading the way. It is up to us to stay the course and move forward in your honor. Rest easy legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/la0ccbBp5N
– Stephen Curry (@ StephenCurry30) November 29, 2021
Tiger Woods has yet to post on social media about Elder’s passing, but since Woods won his first Masters in 1997, he has expressed how much Elder has been a hero to him.
Tiger Woods, after winning his first Masters:
“Lee Elder meant a lot to me because he was the first. He was the one I looked up to. And because of what he did, I was able to play here, which was my dream.”
A golf hero. We will miss you.
– Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) November 29, 2021
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.