(Reuters) – Lee Elder, the primary Black man to play the Masters, will subsequent yr be part of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Participant as honorary starters for the golf main, Augusta Nationwide chairman Fred Ridley mentioned on Monday.

Elder made his historic Grasp look in 1975 however it will be greater than a decade later in 1990 earlier than Augusta Nationwide, one of many world’s most unique golf equipment, would welcome Ron Townsend as its first black member.

The 86-year-old Elder would qualify for the match 5 consecutive years from 1977 via 1981. His finest end was a tie for 17th place in 1979.

“The chance to earn an invite to the Masters and stand at that first tee was my dream, and to have it come true in 1975 stays one of many best highlights of my profession and life,” Elder mentioned in an announcement. “So to be invited again to the primary tee another time to hitch Jack and Gary for subsequent yr’s Masters means the world to me.

“It additionally offers me nice satisfaction to know that my first Masters look continues to make a constructive influence on others.”

In making the announcement forward of the COVID-19 delayed Masters which begins on Thursday, Ridley wouldn’t say whether or not Elder’s look on the first tee subsequent yr was a one off.

“We definitely suppose that this chance for Lee and for us is one that’s going to be remembered in perpetuity,” mentioned Ridley. “This can be a particular second in time.”

Augusta Nationwide mentioned it will additionally set up scholarships in Elder’s title at Paine School, a Black faculty and college situated in Augusta. Two scholarships might be awarded yearly, one every to a pupil athlete who competes on the boys’s and ladies’s golf group.

In addition to being one of many world’s most unique golf equipment, Augusta Nationwide can also be among the many most personal and doesn’t present particulars of its membership.

Elder, now 86, gained 4 PGA Tour occasions throughout his profession together with the 1974 Monsanto Open, which certified him for the Masters.

(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Enhancing by Pritha Sarkar)