Lee Elder to join honorary starters at the Masters in 2021

Lee Elder, who was the first black player to compete in the Masters Tournament, will join Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as an honorary starter at Augusta National Golf Club next year.

Elder made his Masters debut in 1975 and recorded a best finish of joint 17th in 1979.

The 86-year-old said: “The opportunity 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.

“So to be invited back to the first tee one more time to join Jack and Gary for next year’s Masters means the world to me.”

Tiger Woods welcomed the news, tweeting: “We all belong. Such wonderful news to hear from Augusta National in celebration of Lee Elder.”