April 7, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
This year makes 85 years of Masters tournaments. And while throngs of fans watch the players of today, it’s imperative not to forget those who paved the way.
Golf legend Lee Elder was in Augusta on Tuesday, April 6 for a celebration in his honor.
Elder, now age 86, became the first African American to play in the Masters in 1975 and his legacy is sealed in personal sacrifice and determination. Augusta’s Paine College knows well how racism can hinder the progress of individuals and institutions who seek to pursue their ambitions in life. On Tuesday, the college presented Elder with its highest honor.
“I hereby confer upon you the doctorate degree of Humane Letters Honoris Pelzer, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities. There too appertaining.
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.
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“And the wonderful things I know that we will undertake as we go forward here at Paine College,” he said.
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.
As exciting as all of this was for Elder, there are still more good things to come, because, during the Masters week of celebrations he will also serve as an honorary starter at the Masters First Tee Ceremony on Thursday morning. He’ll be joining golfers Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for that honor.
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“I just want to say thank you so very much for this great honor, I appreciate it,” said Elder, who won his first PGA tournament in 1975, becoming the first African American to break the color barrier at the Masters.
Elder began his involvement in golf as many other young Blacks during the 1050s, as a caddy.
“I mean, African Americans have always loved golf. Now golf has not always been good to African Americans, it has not always returned that kind of affection,” said Georgia Power CEO Chris Womack. “You never thought you would see an African American play at Augusta National in the Masters.”
“And what a proud moment it was to see Lee Elder tee off at Augusta National and walk through the fairways of Augusta National golf course,” Womack said.
Along with presenting Elder with an honorary doctorate degree for lifetime achievement, with the help of Augusta National, Paine College will be launching two scholarships in his name and starting a women’s golf team.
“It shows the fruits of and the returns of all the hard work that lee elder has put into this great sport,” Womack said.
