Lee Elder

Lee Elder was born on July 14, 1934 in Dallas Texas. Elder came from a poor disadvantaged background and lost his mother and father at an early age. He moved from one ghetto to another until going to Los Angeles to live with his sister. Elder faced discrimination and racism during this time period. Because of the limited opportunities offered to African Americans, he taught himself the game of golf by sneaking onto all white golf courses at night. Dropping out of high school, Elder positioned himself as a caddy for white golfers and later began to hustle on the golf course (http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/elderlee.shtms, 2002)

During his service time in the army, Elder gained some visibility from his skills as a golfer which enabled him to make a name for himself. In 1961 Elder joined and dominated the all-black United Golf Association tour. He met his wife, Rose Harper, when they were both playing golf in Washington D.C. (Elliott & Kelly, 1976).

In November of 1967, Elder become one of first black golfers on the PGA tour.

In 1971 Elder was invited to play at the South African PGA Tournament. This was the first integrated tournament in that country's history. He agreed to play after making a few requests: That the gallery be integrated and that he and his wife would be allowed to stay at whatever hotel they chose and free to go wherever they wanted to go (http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/elderlee.shtms, 2002).

Elder first won the PGA in the1974 Monsanto Open that gave him an automatic invitation to the 1975 Masters tournament. He also won the Houston Open in 1976 and played in the 1977 Masters. In 1979, Elder became the first black golfer to play for the Ryder Cup team. In 1984 Elder joined the Senior PGA Tour. At age 50 he won his first tournament during his second year on the circuit (http://www.africanpubs.com/Apps/bios/0343ElderLee.asp?pic=none). Although he later suffered a heart attack he continued to play and win. Elder now occupies his time by helping the disadvantaged and speaking against racism

References:

[Online]. Available: http://www.hickoksports.com/biograph/elderlee.shtml

[Online]. Available: http://www.africanpubs.com/Apps/bios/0343ElderLee.asp?pic=none

Elliott, L. & Kelly, B. (1976). Who’s Who in Golf. New York: Arlington House Publishers

Other Sources:

Ashe, Arthur R., Jr. A Hard Road to Glory, A History of the African-American Athlete Since 1946, New York: Warner Books, 1988.

[Online]. Available: http://www.afrogolf.com/leeelder.html

[Online]. Available: http://www.speakersinternational.com/celebrities/elder_lee/