Lee Elder, Pioneer and Champion, Visits Golf House

PGA and Champions Tour winner Lee Elder, a pioneer in minorities gaining access to the world of golf was in Far Hills this week at the USGA. I am lucky enough to live in New Jersey and read about the event in the local newspapers. He came to see the Golf House museum for the first time and to help in the museum’s campaign to collect more artifacts for its African-American archive. The museum currently has a display in the hall of memorabilia from three black athletes who made significant contributions to the sport of golf, Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis and Althea Gibson.

Elder was won four times on the PGA Tour and eight times on the Champions Tour. His journey to the top was filled with hard work and mental toughness. He lost both his parents when he was 9 years old. Elder’s aunt moved him and his older brother to Los Angeles when he was 14 years old. That move helped his development as a golfer as he finally got access to a golf course. In Los Angeles, Elder also met Ted Rhodes, a talented player in the area who helped him improve his game. Elder started playing with a cross-handed grip for his full swing, his left hand was below his right on the club.

Elder earned his PGA Tour Card at 33 years old, qualified for 14 U.S. Open and became the first African American to play in the Masters (1975). The highlight of his career though, was earning a spot on the 1979 Ryder Cup team and playing for his country. Elder always tried to improve conditions for those who would follow him so they did not have to struggle with the same hardships that he did. His career is a story of dedication and resolve for the game he loves.