November 29, 2021 | BY DEBERT COOK
I, along with my entire team at the African American Golfer’s Digest, is saddened to learn of the death of legendary golfer Lee Elder. Born on July 14, 1934, in Dallas, TX, Lee died on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Lee was no stranger to our publication’s team, almost all of those on our masthead and editorial group has shaken his hand at events, strolled arm-in-arm with him during charity outings, hugged his muscular frame whenever the opportunity arose, and, our Senior Editor-At-Large, Edward S. Wanambwa, had an amazing experience when he caddied for him. We knew Lee as an icon in American golf and as a friend. We join the golf world in mourning his passing and send our sympathies to his family.
Overcoming the many obstacles and racial barriers of his life, Elder was a force to be reckoned with and his early membership in the United Golfers Association (UGA) enabled him to showcase his golfing skills. Lee competed without hesitation and won 18 of 22 consecutive tournaments. His persistence to have a career in golf was rewarded in 1968 when he earned his PGA card, becoming the first Black golfer to play in the South African PGA Championship in 1971, and the first to play in the Masters (1975). Lee went on to become the first to qualify for play in the Ryder Cup (1979), and the first to share the exceedingly rare honor of being invited as an honorary starter at the Masters, where he teed it up with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in 2021.
Being a Black man in golf during Lee’s era was an exceptional challenge; yet, one that he vigorously overcame.
Throughout his life, Lee gave all that he had to support charities, organizations, and grassroots programmers, hoping to make a difference in advancing golf toward a more equitable sport. Whenever he visited with our publication, we could count on a conversation filled with truth, laughter, advice, and a wide smile. We’ll miss you, Lee. Thank you for all of your contributions to the game. Golf is much better because of you.
