Lee Elder

Robert Lee Elder is a retired American professional golfer. In 1975, he became the first African-American to play in the Masters Tournament. Elder won 18 of 22 consecutive tournaments on the U.S. PGA Tour before retiring in 1984 at age 50.

About Lee Elder in brief

Summary Lee ElderRobert Lee Elder is a retired American professional golfer. In 1975, he became the first African-American to play in the Masters Tournament, where he missed the cut. Elder was born in Dallas, Texas, to Charles and Almeta Elder. His father was killed in Germany during World War II, and his mother died three months later. At the age of 12, Elder found himself moving from one ghetto to another before being sent to Los Angeles, California to live with his aunt. Elder frequently cut classes to work as a caddie, and after two years at Manual Arts High School he dropped out.

Elder met his first wife, Rose Harper, at a golf tournament in Washington, D. C. and the two married in 1966. After getting married, Rose gave up her golfing career to become his manager. They later divorced, taking most of Elder’s money, basically leaving him penniless. Elder remarried to his current wife and manager. In 1979 he was the first black golfer to qualify for play at the Ryder Cup. Elder won 18 of 22 consecutive tournaments on the U.S. PGA Tour before retiring in 1984 at age 50. He was also a member of the PGA Senior Tour.