‘A true trailblazer and gentleman:’ Golf world reacts to the passing of Masters legend Lee Elder

One word constantly came up when describing Elder.

The game of golf has lost a legendary ambassador.

On Monday it was announced that Lee Elder, who became the first Black man to compete in the Masters Tournament in 1975 at Augusta National Golf Club, has died. He was 87 years old.

At the 2021 Masters, Elder joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as an honorary starter on the first tee, but was unable to swing due to his health. As the news broke, the golf world reacted on social media to honor the pioneer for diversity in the game.

Here’s a sampling of how the golf world reacted to the passing of the trailblazing Lee Elder.

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PGA Tour

Jack Nicklaus

U.S. Ryder Cup team

LPGA

Harold Varner III

USGA

Sports Illustrated

DP World Tour

Masters

PGA of America

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