On Thursday, a trio of golf legends served as honorary starters for the 2021 edition of the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. On the first tee, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus were joined by golf pioneer Lee Elder for the first time.
After being denied entry into the historic tournament despite his qualifications due to being a Black man, Elder was responsible for breaking the color barrier at the Masters in 1975. Elder played in the Masters four times, recording top-20 finishes in 1977 and 1979.
While on the golf course, Steph Curry shared a special congratulations message for Elder’s day as an honorary starter at the Masters. Curry dedicated his next shot on the course to Elder wearing a special “1975” hat with a quote from the legendary golfer reading, “stay the course.”
Via @StephenCurry30 on Twitter:
Special day. In 1975 Lee Elder broke the color barrier at The Masters, this morning he joins as an honorary starter. As Lee says, you gotta “stay the course” and we all gotta stay the course to continue what Lee started with expanding access to the sport. Congrats to this legend. pic.twitter.com/TqNDiB6DEH
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 8, 2021
Against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, Curry brought his tribute to Elder on to the court at Chase Center. The seven-time All-Star point guard broke out a special pair of Curry Brand sneakers with a Masters-themed colorway. Elder’s “stay the course” quote was striped across the shoe.
S/o to the man who changed golf for GOOD 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/1oBYbwJErv
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 11, 2021
While wearing Elder’s kicks, Curry erupted for 38 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the floor with eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Warriors to a much-needed 125-109 victory at Chase Center.
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