LEE Elder, an African-American golfer, has died at 87.

Renee Powell, Elder's friend, posted the news on Monday via Facebook.

"Overnight, it was a very difficult time for me to learn of the passing of Lee Elder. Powell wrote that Lee had called him last week to discuss a project they would do together this summer.

After winning the United Golfers Association National that year, we joined our perspective Tours. The UGA was an amateur organization of African-American golfers. It included divisions for women and men, junior boys, girls and professionals.

"They ran a series tournaments in the era when there was racial segregation. Lee and I became partners in the JC Penney Team Championship in Doral."

Powell said, "This year I was proudly standing beside the first Augusta National tee when Lee was awarded Honorary Starter status along with Jack Nicklaus & Gary Player to open The Masters."

"Thank you, Lee was finally recognised there!" Keep Sharon, his wife, in your prayers."

The cause of Elder's death is not known.

After winning the '74 Monsanto Open, he became the first African-American player in the Masters Tournament.

Elder was frequently harassed by fanatical fans throughout the tournament. He received hate mail and threatened phone calls almost every day.

The traditional ceremonial start of the Masters took place in April 2021.