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Profile & History:
"First African
American in several categories"
Lee Elder broke the color barrier at
Augusta as the first African American to play at the Masters in 1975. Mr.
Elder was present during "Tiger Wood's" historic victory in
1997. Mr. Elder has combined for 12 victories on the PGA and Senior
Tours, earning more than $1 million on each tour. Mr. Elder earned his
first winner's check in 1974. Mr. Elder became involved with
golf at the young age of 9 years old. Golf provided a means to put food on
the table, after both parents met untimely deaths. Mr. Elder was also the
first African American to play on a Ryder Cup Team in 1979.
Lee Elder can now be called The Elder Lee since he turned 60 July 14th of
'94 and joined the Super Seniors. Elder is in many ways the patriarch of
Afro-American Golf. As the first black competitor in The Masters, he broke
new ground for golfers of color. If Elder feels some disappointment at the
dearth of African Americans on the Tour, it should not be seen as a
reflection on his career or the benevolent nature he has exercised. He was
inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame despite having never attended college
in recognition of his generous contributions on behalf of others. Each
year his Lee Elder Invitational raises money to aid underprivileged
children, and his effect on the future of golf remains to be accurately
assessed. As to his own game, Elder remains one of the top golfers in the
world over the age of 50. He was 91st on the 1995 SPGA Tour Money List. |
