Lee Elder, , the First Black Golfer <br />Invited to the Masters, , Dies at 87.<br />ABC News reports that Elder, <br />an icon in the sport, has died. .<br />Elder broke down racial barriers and <br />paved the way for other Black golfers. .<br />Elder broke down racial barriers and <br />paved the way for other Black golfers. .<br />On November 29, the PGA Tour announced that <br />Elder's death had been confirmed by his family.<br />Elder was a native of Texas who made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had previously been an all-white tournament.<br />Elder was a native of Texas who made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had previously been an all-white tournament.<br />Elder earned his invitation with a win <br />at the Monsanto Open in 1974. .<br />In April, Elder appeared with Jack Nicklaus <br />and Gary Player for the Masters' <br />ceremonial opening tee shots. .<br />In April, Elder appeared with Jack Nicklaus <br />and Gary Player for the Masters' <br />ceremonial opening tee shots. .<br />According to ABC, Elder was in poor health <br />at the time and unable to take a swing,<br /> but proudly held up his driver at the first tee. .<br />According to ABC, Elder was in poor health <br />at the time and unable to take a swing,<br /> but proudly held up his driver at the first tee. .<br />For me and my family, <br />I think it was one of the <br />most emotional experiences <br />that I have ever witnessed <br />or been involved in, Lee Elder, via ABC.<br />For me and my family, <br />I think it was one of the <br />most emotional experiences <br />that I have ever witnessed <br />or been involved in, Lee Elder, via ABC.<br />The chairman of Augusta National Golf Club <br />and the Masters, Fred Ridley, called Elder, “a true pioneer in the game of golf.”.<br />Lee was an inspiration to so many <br />young men and women of color <br />not only through his play, <br />but also through his commitment <br />to education and community, Fred Ridley, Augusta National Golf Club <br />and the Masters, via ABC.<br />Lee was an inspiration to so many <br />young men and women of color <br />not only through his play, <br />but also through his commitment <br />to education and community, Fred Ridley, Augusta National Golf Club <br />and the Masters, via ABC.<br />Lee will always be a part of the <br />history of the Masters Tournament. <br />His presence will be sorely missed, <br />but his legacy will continue <br />to be celebrated, Fred Ridley, Augusta National Golf Club <br />and the Masters, via ABC
