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Lee Elder, 1st Black golfer to play Masters, dies at age 87

FILE - Lee Elder is seen arriving at the Masters golf course to play practice round in Augusta, Ga., on April 10, 1975. Elder broke down racial barriers as the first Black golfer to play in the Masters and paved the way for Tiger Woods and others to follow. The PGA Tour confirmed Elder’s death, which was first reported by Debert Cook of African American Golfers Digest. No cause or details were immediately available, but the tour said it spoke with Elder's family. He was 87. (AP Photo/File) FILE - Lee Elder signs autographs for patrons outside the club house at the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Monday, April 7, 2008. Elder broke down racial barriers as the first Black golfer to play in the Masters and paved the way for Tiger Woods and others to follow. The PGA Tour confirmed Elder’s death, which was first reported by Debert Cook of African American Golfers Digest. No cause or details were immediately available, but the tour said it spoke with Elder's family. He was 87. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File) FILE - Lee Elder waves as he arrives for the ceremonial tee shots before the first round of the Masters golf tournament on Thursday, April 8, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. At far right is Phil Mickelson. Person at right in cart is unidentified. Elder broke down racial barriers as the first Black golfer to play in the Masters and paved the way for Tiger Woods and others to follow. The PGA Tour confirmed Elder’s death, which was first reported by Debert Cook of African American Golfers Digest. No cause or details were immediately available, but the tour said it spoke with Elder's family. He was 87. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)