Lee Elder, who became the first African-American golfer to play in the Masters tournament, a signature moment in the breaking of racial barriers on the pro golf tour, has died. He was 87.
The death was announced by the PGA Tour. It did not specify when or where he died or give the cause.
When Elder teed off at Augusta National Golf Club in April 1975, he was 40 years old. Years earlier, in his prime, he had been confined to playing in the United Golfers Association tour, the sport’s version of baseball’s Negro leagues.