AUGUSTA, Georgia - Lee Elder will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as honorary starters, beginning in 2021, Masters Tournament chairman Fred Ridley announced on Monday.
Elder was the first Black player to compete in the Masters, doing so in 1975. He qualified from 1977-81, as well. His best finish came in 1979, when he tied for 17th.
“The opportunity to earn an invitation to the Masters and stand at that first tee was my dream and to have it come true in 1975 remains one of the greatest highlights of my career and life,” Elder said.