Career Timeline of Lee Elder: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 11, 2025

How Lee Elder built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lee Elder was a pioneering American professional golfer best known for breaking racial barriers in the sport. In 1975, he made history as the first African American to compete in the prestigious Masters Tournament. This invitation followed his victory at the 1974 Monsanto Open, marking a significant milestone in his career and for black athletes in golf.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1959: Drafted into the U.S. Army

In 1959, Lee Elder was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was placed in a Special Services unit that allowed him to play golf regularly.

1961: Joins the United Golf Association Tour

In 1961, after being discharged from the army, Lee Elder joined the United Golf Association (UGA) Tour for black players, a tour he dominated by winning 18 of 22 consecutive tournaments.

1967: Qualifying for the PGA Tour

In 1967, Lee Elder raised money to attend qualifying school for the PGA Tour and successfully earned his tour card for the following year.

1968: Rookie Season on the PGA Tour

In 1968, Lee Elder's rookie season on the PGA Tour saw him place 40th on the money list, with a notable playoff loss to Jack Nicklaus at the American Golf Classic.

1971: South African PGA Championship Participation

In 1971, Lee Elder accepted an invitation to participate in the South African PGA Championship, becoming the first participant in an integrated tournament in the country’s history.

1974: Lee Elder Scholarship Fund Established

In 1974, Lee Elder and his then wife, Harper, established the Lee Elder Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid to low-income students.

1974: Monsanto Open Victory

In 1974, Lee Elder won the Monsanto Open, securing his place in the Masters Tournament the following year.

1975: Masters Tournament Debut

In 1975, Lee Elder became the first black golfer to play in the Masters Tournament, though he missed the cut.

1977: Masters Tournament Appearance

In 1977, Lee Elder played in the Masters Tournament.

1979: First Black American golfer to qualify for play in the Ryder Cup

In 1979, Lee Elder made the cut in all 4 majors and also became the first black American golfer to qualify for play in the Ryder Cup.

1981: Masters Tournament Appearance

In 1981, Lee Elder played in the Masters Tournament for the final time.

1984: Joins the Senior PGA Tour

In 1984, at the age of 50, Lee Elder joined the Senior PGA Tour.

1986: Protest against Apartheid

In 1986, Lee Elder protested to the PGA governors for allowing American golfers to play in a tournament in Sun City, Bophuthatswana, a region associated with the apartheid regime of South Africa.

1988: Senior PGA Tour Success

Between 1984 and 1988, Lee Elder won a total of eight tournaments on the Senior PGA Tour.

1990: Advocacy Against Racial Exclusion

In 1990, Lee Elder spoke out against country clubs that still excluded Black golfers from membership and actively promoted youth golf programs and fundraising for the United Negro College Fund.