50 years ago, Lee Elder shattered racial barriers becoming the first Black golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament. His career was filled with historic achievements, including four PGA Tour wins, a groundbreaking Ryder Cup appearance, and inspiring a new generation of Black golfers. But Elder’s impact extended beyond competition, he dedicated himself to expanding access to the game, ensuring future Black golfers had the opportunities he fought so hard to attain.
Elder’s commitment to growing the game led him to our beloved Langston Golf Course, a rare sanctuary for Black golfers during an exclusionary era. In 1978, he took over its management, working to revitalize the course and launching programs to support young Black golfers. Today, Elder’s influence still resonates. As we mark the 50th anniversary of his historic Masters Tournament appearance, we will celebrate his legacy with the unveiling of a new photo exhibit – From Langston to Augusta: Lee Elder’s Legacy in Golf – available for viewing beginning next week. Langston Golf Course is located at 2600 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20002. Phone: (202) 397-8638.
The exhibit will be free for the entire community and available for viewing during business hours beginning Friday, April 11th, coinciding with our first Free Lesson Friday of 2025. We hope you can check it out!
Free Lesson Friday Presented By Chevron Begins April 11th
Free Lesson Friday Presented by Chevron returns on Friday, April 11th from 5-7 PM at Langston Golf Course. Free Lesson Friday is a series of free golf clinics for all ages hosted by National Links Trust at Langston Golf Course and East Potomac Golf Links. Free full swing, chipping, and putting instruction is taught by PlayDCGolf Academy instructors to golfers of all ages at no cost. In addition to this, there are golf games and food available for purchase.
2025 Schedule
April 11 | 5-7 PM | Langston Golf Course
May 16 | 5-7 PM | East Potomac Golf Links
June 20 | 5-7 PM | Langston Golf Course
July 18 | 5-7 PM | East Potomac Golf Links
August 15 | 5-7 PM | Langston Golf Course
September 19 | 5-7 PM | East Potomac Golf Links
