Lee Elder, the first African American to play in the Masters, passed away today at the age of 87. His contribution to the game transcends generations.
Elder, born in Dallas in 1934, was born into The Great Depression. He would later be introduced to Ted Rhodes by famed boxer Joe Louis. Rhodes took Elder under his wing.
From there, Lee Elder would go on to have 4 PGA Tour wins. He lost in a playoff to Jack Nicklaus in American Golf Classic.
Lee Elder has influenced the likes of Tiger Woods and Harold Varner III.
Rest in Peace to a Pioneer of the game I love!
