Lee Elder takes a shot in front a small gallery during Augusta National Golf Club’s 1975 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images).
Lee Elder stood on Augusta National Golf Club’s first tee, looking at the landing area for the shot. This was nearly 50 years ago.
Elder was doing much more than just hitting the tee shots and participating in a major championship. He was breaking a long-standing barrier, becoming the first Black golfer ever to play in the Masters. This opportunity was denied for years to Black golfers such as Charlie Sifford. Elder playing in the 1975 tournament, as well as the 1979 Ryder Cup, paved a path for other Black golfers to see themselves competing at the highest level — most notably just two decades later, when Tiger Woods won the 1997 Masters.
The inspiring story of Elder’s trailblazing efforts was recently recognized by apparel company Linksoul, who hosted the first-ever Lee Elder Challenge at Goat Hill Park Golf Course in Oceanside, California, on March 18.
A few young participants play in The Lee Elder Challenge at Goat Hill Park in California on March 18. (Photo courtesy Linksoul
Open to the public and taking place on The Playground at Goat Hill Park — a 3-hole kids’ course designed by Gil Hanse —- all proceeds from the event went to the Lee Elder Trust to cover the healthcare costs of Elder’s wife, Sharon, as well as the Lee Elder Memorial Fund, which is helping grow the icon’s legacy and expand golf’s reach.
“It is heartening to see golfers and the golf community come together to celebrate Lee Elder’s accomplishments and continue to uphold his legacy,” said Linksoul Co-Founder John Ashworth. “By supporting the Lee Elder Trust and Memorial Fund, we can ensure that his impact on the game and the world continues to be felt for years to come.”
The Lee Elder X Linksoul limited-edition capsule (Photo courtesy Linksoul
Linksoul also created a limited-edition Lee Elder X Linksoul capsule to honor Elder. This capsule was created to raise funds for The Lee Elder Challenge. It’s the second time Linksoul has created a line honoring Elder, and the new capsule includes T-shirts, hats, a ball marker, glove and golf towel, all complete with sleek designs and graphics with a green and yellow twist that would make the legend proud.
The capsule is available at Linksoul.comAll proceeds from purchases go directly to the Lee Elder Trust and Memorial Fund.
One of the Lee Elder X Linksoul capsule tees is on display at The Lee Elder Challenge at Goat Hill Park. (Photo courtesy Linksoul
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