# @thejohnshippen on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw3PIQ7u_5B
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/9304089-thejohnshippen-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/4b1c872345.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-06T20:02:49.000+00:00

## Caption

In continuing on with the goal of creating more awareness around historic Black golf figures who paved the way, today we are going to post about Lee Elder.
 
Lee Elder became the first African American golfer to play in the Masters tournament, breaking many racial barriers on the pro golf tour. Before playing in the Masters, Elder was first exposed to golf when he caddied at an all-white club. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in golf. Elder would then join the United Golfers Association tour, golf's version of baseball's Negro leagues due to the PGA of America only accepted "members of the Caucasian race." Elder was one of the leading players on the United Golfers Association tour, in one stretch of 22 consecutive tournaments, Elder went on to win 18. Elder's journey to play in the Masters finally got a break when the tournament announced that any player who won a PGA Tour event would automatically qualify for the Masters. He finally won in 1974 at the Monsanto Open securing him a spot in the 1975 Masters. 
 
“The display from the employees of Augusta National was especially moving. Most of the staff was Black, and on Friday, they left their duties to line the 18th fairway as I walked toward the green. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Of all the acknowledgments of what I had accomplished by getting there, this one meant the most.” 
 
Elder would go on to play in the Masters six times, won four PGA Tour events, and finish second place ten times. Over his time playing on the Tour, he earned 1.02 million in purses. In 2019, Elder received the Bob Jones Award from the United States Golf Association. Elder passed away November 28, 2021, leaving behind an amazing legacy.
 
Thank you Lee Elder.

#blackhistory #golfhistory #leeelder

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## Tags

leeelder, golfhistory, blackhistory

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