Lee Elder, who broke racial barriers after becoming the first black man to compete at the Masters, died Sunday at 87, the PGA Tours announced Monday.
No cause of death was given, but Elder had been in poor health for a while, needing an oxygen mask at the Masters Tournament in April.
Elder made history in 1975 when he became the first black man to compete at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, despite receiving threats. Elder went on to become the first black man to represent the U.S. Ryder Cup team. He won four PGA Tour victories and eight additional wins in the PGA Tour Champions for players 50 and over.
Fred Ridley, chairman of the Masters, said Elder was a pioneer in the game of golf.
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“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,” Ridley said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press. “Lee will always be a part of the history of the Masters Tournament. His presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to be celebrated.”
Long-time rival and friend Jack Nicklaus highlighted Elder’s legacy and determination in the sport.
“Lee Elder was a pioneer, and in so many ways,” Nicklaus tweeted. “Yes, he was the first black golfer to play in the Masters Tournament, but that simply underlined the hard work Lee put in to further the cause of everyone who has a dream to play on the PGA Tour and perhaps thinks there were too many barriers before them.”
Elder was one of 10 children and orphaned at 9 years old after his father died in action during World War II. His mother died three months later. Elder went on to live with his aunt until he was 16. His love of golf began when he was a caddy, and he continued to play it during his stint in the Army. Upon his return home, he joined the United Golf Association Tour for black players.
Lee Elder has passed away at the age of 87.
In 1975, he made history as the first African American to compete in the Masters Tournament.
Lee was honored this past April at Augusta National and his legacy will surely live on. pic.twitter.com/1o05rephKt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 29, 2021
He got national attention in 1968 when he tied Nicklaus during 72 holes at the American Golf Classic in Akron, Ohio. He lost to Nicklaus in a sudden-death tiebreaker at the fifth hole.
Elder was most recently honored at the 2021 Masters Tournament in April where he joined Nicklaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial opening shots of the tournament. However, Elder’s health prevented him from taking the swing.
“For me and my family, I think it was one of the most emotional experiences that I have ever witnessed or been involved in,” Elder said at the time.
He was also honored in 2020 by the Masters after two scholarships were named after him at Paine College, a historically all-black school in Augusta.
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Elder died in Escondido, California, and is survived by his wife Sharon.
