April 11, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Wendell Haskins is pushing hard as an advocate for diversity and inclusion and his efforts are most recently seen in this week’s recognition of legendary golfer Lee Elder as an Honorary Starter at the 85th Masters in Augusta, Ga. Elder was the first Black man to play in the Masters at August Golf Club in 1977. Back then, Elder had no idea that his personal sacrifices and racial discrimination that he faced in trying to fully play the sport he loved would lead to a moment in history like that of April 8.
Haskins advocated for this honor for Elder several years ago. “I first advocated for this in 2014 and honored Lee Elder at the 2015 Original Tee Golf Classic for the 40th anniversary of his accomplishment,” said Haskins in a tweet.
Wendell Haskins, Inclusion Leader and Diversity Innovatior, spoke with CBSN news anchor Otis Livingston on that day to discuss the 85th Masters tournament and legendary pro golfer Lee Elder, an honorary starter alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
“As we say in the culture, “Nuff Respect Due.” Congratulations to Lee Elder on his acknowledgment as a pioneer, a trailblazer and a barrier breaker in professional golf, being the first Black man to play in the Masters. I first advocated for this in 2014 and honored Lee Elder at the 2015 Original Tee Golf Classic for the 40th anniversary of his accomplishment. Thank you Otis Livingston (CBSN) for shedding some light on the story and its origin.” —Wendell J. Haskins
Haskins, a Hampton University graduate and the former PGA of America Senior Director of Diversity & Multicultural Initiatives, is also President/Founder of his own company, The Original Tee. Annually he hosts his Original Tee Golf Classic in New Jersey where he has been honoring heroes in golf and other sports for years. Haskins left the PGA of America in 2017 but his commitment for full equality for Blacks in golf and all sports continues.
RELATED: Over 250 VIPs participate in the 16th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic, an all-day event that honored golf legend Lee Elder for breaking the color barrier at the Masters forty years ago.
