Lee Elder, the first black man to compete in the 1975 Masters Tournament has passed away. Lee Elder cause of death is said to be due to a long time illness he was suffering from
At the 1975 edition of the famed competition, Elder broke through Augusta’s race barrier.
He was an honorary starter at the 2021 Masters, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, in the ceremonial first tee shot to start the tournament.
In 2015, Elder told CNN that making his Masters debut in Augusta, Georgia, was “very nerve-racking.”
Elder admitted, “I considered not going.” “It was on my mind, and I suppose the reason I was thinking about it was because qualifying for the Masters had been so difficult.”
“I knew it was something I had wanted ever since I came on to the Tour.
“I think the reason why was there had been so much talk about no Black man playing at Augusta, and after all that, I wasn’t going to qualify and not go.”
Lee Elder Cause Of Death
Lee Elder, the first Black golfer to compete in the Masters, died on Monday at the age of 87, according to the PGA Tour.
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
One of his fans tweeted: “RIP Lee Elder. Golfing legend and racial trailblazer in golf. Elder was the first black golfer at @themasters! Courage and talent.”
The Masters honoured Elder by having him join Jack Nickaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial opening tee shots this past April, in the aftermath of nationwide social justice protests.
Elder was in poor condition and couldn’t swing a club, but he proudly displayed his driver on the first tee, evidently moved by the gift. The same illness is said to have resulted in his death.
“For me and my family, I think it was one of the most emotional experiences that I have ever witnessed or been involved in,” he said.
Lee Elder Golfer Biography
Golfer Lee Elder is well-known. He was born in the state of Texas on July 14, 1934. Lee is also notable for being the first African-American golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament in 1975, breaking the colour barrier.
Lee is a native of the United States. He, like Tiger Woods, made a significant contribution to changing the public’s perspective of African-Americans in golf.
Lee Elder Age
Lee Elder birthday is on 14 July 1934. He was 87 when he passed away.
Early Life And Family
His father died in Germany during World War II, and his mother died soon after, leaving Lee to grow up on the streets and in ghettos. His first wife was Rose Harper while he was currently married to his second wife Sharon Elder.
One of 10 children, Elder was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1934 and was nurtured by an aunt as he moved to Los Angeles after his parents died when he was 9 with him all alone when he was 16.
Lee Elder Net Worth
Lee Elder’s net worth is believed to be in the range of $20 million dollars. From his primary vocation as a golfer, he has amassed a substantial fortune.