TMZ Sports · Nov 29, 2021
... First Black Golfer To Play In Masters
Lee Elder -- the first-ever Black golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament -- has died, PGA Tour officials announced Monday. He was 87 years old.
No cause of death has been revealed.
Elder was an absolute icon on the golf course -- he famously broke The Masters color barrier back in 1975, paving the way for generations of future Black golfers.
Elder went on to play in the legendary tournament several more times in his career -- logging his best finish at the event in 1979, when he tied for 17th place.
Elder was eventually honored by The Masters this year ... when he took part in April's opening ceremonies with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.