This year marks the 40th Anniversary since Lee Elder made history by becoming the first black man to compete in the Masters. It happened on Thursday, April 10, 1975 when he was 40-years old. But this Thursday, the 4-decades-old celebration will officially pass by unrecognized this week within the boundaries of the well-patrolled gates of Augusta National Golf Club.
Elder, who now lives in San Diego, is from an era when roles for African Americans at Augusta National Golf Club previously included only toting golf bags and working to serve meals to its white members. Back then, there was no place for a black person to gain membership to the Club. Elder struggled to get his world-renown fame as the first black golfer to compete at Augusta National. Working his way, over years of practice— and patience, towards breaking this barrier was exhaustive for him: physically, mentally and professionally.
Augusta National Golf Club is widely known for its conservative ways. So, it is no surprise that the Club does not plan on having a large public celebration to mark Elder’s achievement. The anniversary may as well be just ‘another day’ in the life of the Club.
GARY PLAYER CELEBRATES LEE ELDER
It’s good to have friends in this game of golf, and Hall of Famer Gary Player is truly that to Lee Elder. In Augusta, Player has planned a grand celebration to mark the date. Player intends to recognize his longtime buddy, Elder, with a private celebration on Thursday evening. It will take place at a hospitality site, The Lodge, just on the outskirts of the National’s boarders on Berckman’s Road. The occasion is marked as a “by invitation only” event, and according to Elder’s wife, Sharon, the list is complete filled.
But, that won’t stop the masses of celebrants who wish to congratulate Elder. This publication has learned that individuals visiting, and living, in Augusta want to make sure that their hero Elder knows how outstanding he is, and hope to just catch a glance of him during his time in the City, and luckily shake his hand.
Augusta’s newly elected mayor, Hardie Davis, will declare Thursday, April 9 as “Lee Elder Day” in the city. We have also learned that Proclamations are being presented by individuals representing Nelson Mandela’s son and grandson, and U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the first African American from the South to be elected to the Senate since 1881.
Celebrities scheduled to be on hand at the event include, Actor Chris Tucker and TV personality Steve Harvey. Both will serve as co-emcees of the event. Special invited speakes will include former NFL star Marcus Allen and singer Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish.
When asked about his personal feeling on the celebration, Elder, age 80, is reported to have replied in a very humble voice, “The one thing that I’m really happy about is that these guys want to do this. I really appreciate it.”
The golf legend has been battling health issues and has undergone three retina surgeries. He’s also had a heart valve replaced and has struggled with diabetes since the prime of his playing career.
He told utsandiego.com , “I do feel like I would have liked some kind of recognition. It’s just something that I felt like I was deserving of.”
Elder has returned for many years to view the Master’s tournaments since he first played it. This year, he will do the same with his wife, Sharon. I’ll bet you’ll be able to catch them standing under the big oak tree near the clubhouse while they chat and visit with friends made years gone by.
“I’ve had a lot of good times at Augusta, I really have,” Elder said to utsandiego.com. “It’s peaceful there.”
