Lee Elder, 1st Black Masters competitor, will be 2021 honorary starter

Lee Elder accepted an invitation to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as honorary starters for the 2021 Masters, the tournament announced Monday.

Elder became the first Black golfer to participate in the Masters when he qualified for the tournament in 1975.

"Mr. Elder's participation in the Honorary Starters Ceremony next April will recognize his courageous life and commemorate all he has done in his career to help eliminate barriers and inspire Black men and women in the game of golf and beyond," said Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National.

"We hope that ... he can be joined at the first tee by family, friends, and patrons for a moment that will be treasured worldwide."

Ridley also announced the creation of the Lee Elder Scholarships at Paine College, a historically Black college in Augusta. Two scholarships will be awarded annually, one to a member of the men's golf team and one to a member of the women's golf team. Augusta National is funding the establishment of a women's golf program at the school.

"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. "So to be invited back to the first tee one more time to join Jack and Gary for next year's Masters means the world to me.

"It also gives me great pride to know that my first Masters appearance continues to make a positive impact on others. Throughout my career, helping young men and women achieve their dreams through education has been a cause close to my heart. I am deeply honored to share a connection with Paine College and these scholarships, which will provide life-changing opportunities for the deserving recipients."

Elder competed at Augusta National on five more occasions after 1975, with a tied-for-17th result in 1979 his best finish.