Augusta salutes trailblazer Elder

TRIBUTE: BARRIER-BREAKING LEGACY HAILED ON FIRST TEE

Lee Elder, the first Black golfer in Masters history, was hailed in a first tee ceremony yesterday, to open the 85th edition of the Major showdown at Augusta National.

In a tribute to his barrier-breaking legacy, Elder joined retired champions Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in an honorary starter role before the field of 88 began chasing the green jacket symbolic of Masters supremacy.

“This by far exceeds anything that has ever happened to me in golf,” Elder said.

The 86-year-old American made history by playing in the 1975 Masters but called the chance for a ceremonial return “one of the biggest events I’ve ever been involved with.”

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley called Elder an inspirational trailblazer whose strength and character in the face of threats motivated men and women of colour to follow golf dreams, paving the way for 15time major winner and five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods.

“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.

“To be invited back to the first tee one more time to join Jack and Gary means the world to me.”

Elder was seated at the first tee when Nicklaus and Player walked from the clubhouse to applause, former champions Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson among those greeting the legends before starting their rounds.

Elder drew the loudest applause of all when he was introduced. He was helped to his feet, holding his driver but not making a shot, instead standing and waving to the crowd, smiling as he looked around to soak in the moment before sitting down.

Augusta National welcomed the first spectators at a Major championship since 2019 after Covid-19 forced a ban on fans last year. A limited number of patrons, reportedly about 12 000, were allowed under virus safety protocols.

Firm and fast conditions will make it difficult to stop the ball on the undulating and lightning-quick Augusta greens, calling for precise tee shots to set up testing approaches. –

Picture: AFP GOLFING LEGENDS. Honorary starters Lee Elder (left), Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus during the opening ceremony prior to the start of the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club yesterday.