Elder, Lee
1934-2021 · Contribution: 1967-1990s
Golfer
Professional golfer; the first Black golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament (1975)

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1934, Dallas, Texas
- Active since
- 1967
- Category
- Sports & Athletics
- Best known for
- First Black golfer to compete in the Masters
Impact on the world
Elder broke the color barrier at golf's most tradition-bound tournament, forcing open a door that Augusta National had kept closed to Black players.
Sources
- PGA Tour
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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