Photos: Lee Elder honored at the 2021 Masters

Golf

Photos: Lee Elder honored at the 2021 Masters

46 years after he became the first Black player to compete at the Masters, 86-year-old Lee Elder took part in the ceremonial tee shot to start the 2021 Masters on Thursday in Augusta.

Honorary starter Lee Elder waves to the crowd Thursday morning as he is introduced during the ceremonial tee shot portion of the 2021 Masters in Augusta.

Lee Elder became the first African-American to play in the Masters in 1975 and 'broke barriers that helped many golfers after him,' said Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. Elder joined three-time Masters champion Gary Player and six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus in Thursday's ceremonial start to the four-day event.

Honorary starters Lee Elder and Jack Nicklaus share a moment during the ceremonial tee shots to begin the Masters Thursday morning in Augusta. In 1975, Lee Elder became the first African-American to play in the Masters. Nicklaus won six times in Augusta and is celebrating the 35th anniversary of his final title at age 46 in 1986.

Honorary starter Lee Elder (left) is applauded by three-time Masters champion Gary Player and six time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus as he is introduced during the ceremonial tee shots Thursday in Augusta.

Lee Elder accepts the applause of the patrons during his introduction at the ceremonial tee shot to begin the Masters Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.

In 1975, Lee Elder became the first African-American to play in the Masters - receiving the invitation to Augusta after winning the 1974 Monsanto Open.

Gary Player hits his ceremonial tee shot with Jack Nicklaus looking on Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club.

Gary Player, who won the Masters in 1961, 1974 and 1978, has some fun after his tee shot Thursday morning.

Lee Elder breaks into laughter as Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus share a moment after Player's shot.

Jack Nicklaus hits his ceremonial tee shot Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club.

Jack Nicklaus won the Masters in 1963 and followed with back-to-back titles in 1965 and 1966.

Jack Nicklaus added titles in 1972 and 1975, and was 46 when he won his sixth Masters in 1986.

The names of the honorary starters and their ages are posted on the course.

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Credit: Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Honorary starter Lee Elder waves to the crowd Thursday morning as he is introduced during the ceremonial tee shot portion of the 2021 Masters in Augusta.

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