The game of golf has lost a legendary ambassador.
On Monday it was announced that Lee Elder, who became the first Black man to compete in the Masters Tournament in 1975 at Augusta National Golf Club, has died. He was 87 years old.
At the 2021 Masters, Elder joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as an honorary starter on the first tee, but was unable to swing due to his health. As the news broke, the golf world reacted on social media to honor the pioneer for diversity in the game.
Here’s a sampling of how the golf world reacted to the passing of the trailblazing Lee Elder.
PGA Tour
Lee Elder has passed away at the age of 87.
In 1975, he made history as the first African American to compete in the Masters Tournament.
Lee was honored this past April at Augusta National and his legacy will surely live on. pic.twitter.com/1o05rephKt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 29, 2021
Jack Nicklaus
Lee Elder was a pioneer in so many ways. Yes, he was the first black golfer to play in @TheMasters, but that simply underlined the hard work Lee put in to further the cause of everyone who has a dream to play on the @PGATOUR and thinks there were too many barriers before them.
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) November 29, 2021
U.S. Ryder Cup team
Today we are saddened by the loss of our teammate and friend, Mr. Lee Elder.
A true trailblazer and gentleman, we honor Lee’s memory and the lasting impact he made on the game. pic.twitter.com/ylHnI6W7jo
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) November 29, 2021
LPGA
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Lee Elder.
Lee was the definition of a trailblazer, and his impact on the game of golf will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/B4ALpbUgzL
— LPGA (@LPGA) November 29, 2021
Harold Varner III
Look out for the ones coming behind you. Lee Elder was an incredible contribution to the game and made history because of his talent, not just because he was African-American. I’m fortunate to have had the chance to learn from him. My prayers to the Elder family at this time. pic.twitter.com/FBPtzdmkro
— Harold Varner III (@HV3_Golf) November 29, 2021
USGA
The golf world lost a true trailblazer in our 2019 Bob Jones Award recipient Lee Elder.
Elder was 87. pic.twitter.com/slJlVfhPoz
— USGA (@USGA) November 29, 2021
Sports Illustrated
RIP to the legendary, Lee Elder
pic.twitter.com/hYwhqW7lon
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) November 29, 2021
DP World Tour
We are very saddened by the passing of Lee Elder, a pioneer who leaves a lasting legacy in our game. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/OcK4MUnOMs
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 29, 2021
Masters
Lee Elder is joined this morning by special guests including his family, representatives from Paine College and a group of Black PGA professionals. #themasters pic.twitter.com/C9AJSlypF4
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 8, 2021
PGA of America
We’re saddened by the passing of 45-year PGA Member Dr. Lee Elder, a trailblazer whose legacy has made significant positive impacts on the game we all love. https://t.co/P1jdD25JXx
— PGA of America (@PGA) November 29, 2021