July 14, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
It’s another big birthday celebration for Robert Lee Elder today. The retired American professional golfer has had an exciting year, thus far. This past April, Elder was an Honorary Starter for the 85th Masters alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Elder enjoyed the ceremony and several African American PGA Professionals joined him for the special event.
To receive the honor, Elder, with assistance, slowly stood from a golf cart, surrounded by Paine alumni, city leaders, and family to receive the honor. Humbly accepting, the now Dr. Elder vowed to continue the push for diversity in the Masters.
It was April 21, 1974, when Elder won the Monsanto Open, guaranteeing he would become the first Black golfer to earn a berth in the 1975 Masters. In 1975, he became the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament, where he missed the cut. Elder was invited to the tournament after he won the 1974 Monsanto Open.
Also, this past April the iconic golfer received an Honorary Doctorate from Payne College. In addition to the very special honorary degree, Elder was also presented the mayor’s Legacy Award by Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr., and he officially declared April 6 as Lee Elder Day in the city of Augusta.
It’s been a fantastic year for Elder and we continue to wish him the very best. Happy 87th birthday, Mr. Elder.
