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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Craig L. Dean, Executive Director
Langston Golf Course Conservancy
langstongcc@gmail.com
(202) 412-3456

GOLF LEGEND LEE ELDER LAUDED IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL WITH STREET DESIGNATION

Washington, D.C. — January 15, 2025 — The Langston Golf Course Conservancy and Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker proudly announce the symbolic renaming of the 800 block of 26th Street NE as Lee Elder Way in honor of Lee Elder, the first African American golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament. The designation, made official by the passage of the "Lee Elder Way Designation Act of 2024," commemorates Elder’s historic achievements and his contributions to the game of golf and the community.

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This block, located adjacent to the historic Langston Golf Course, holds special significance. Elder managed Langston Golf Course in the 1970s and 1980s, fostering Black participation in golf and elevating the course as a beacon of inclusion and excellence.

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“Designating this street as Lee Elder Way ensures his legacy endures not only in the world of golf but also in the hearts of our community,” said Craig Dean, Executive Director of the Langston Golf Course Conservancy. “Lee Elder opened doors for generations of Black golfers and proved that perseverance and talent could break even the toughest barriers.”

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A Trailblazing Life in Golf

Born on July 14, 1934, in Dallas, Texas, Lee Elder overcame significant adversity, including the loss of his parents at a young age, to become a golfing legend. After serving in the U.S. Army, Elder began his professional career on the United Golf Association Tour, where he won 18 of 22 tournaments. His breakthrough came in 1975 when he became the first African American golfer to play in the Masters Tournament.

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Elder's professional career included four PGA Tour victories and eight wins on the Senior PGA Tour. His advocacy for inclusion extended beyond the course, where he worked tirelessly to bring the sport to underserved communities. Councilmember Zachary Parker remarks, “I was proud to introduce the Lee Elder Way Designation Act on the Council of the District of Columbia as part of a series of bills honoring prominent Black figures with ties to Ward 5. With these bills, streets all across Ward 5 now bear the names of remarkable people who have left indelible marks on the District, not least of them Lee Elder.

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Langston Golf Course, where Elder served as manager, became a hub of activity under his leadership, attracting celebrities like Joe Louis and Bob Hope to support its mission of inclusivity. The course remains a historical landmark as the site of the oldest African American men’s and women’s golf clubs in the United States.

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Councilmember Parker adds, “His tenacity, excellence, and commitment to community shine a light for future generations to emulate. It is my hope that when neighbors now see his name on the signs along 26th St NE, they will be prompted to remember Lee Elder, learn more about him, and even carry forward his legacy of breaking barriers and championing access to the sport of golf.”
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A Lasting Legacy

The Langston Golf Course Conservancy has been instrumental in preserving and honoring Elder’s contributions. Since 2021, the organization has hosted the Annual Lee Elder Memorial Golf Charity Classic, raising funds for scholarships for the Langston Junior Boys and Girls Golf Club and supporting the revitalization of the golf course. Elder’s enduring impact is also visible at Langston’s Hole 13, which bears his name, and in the Conservancy’s efforts to erect educational signage celebrating his life.
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Commemorative Events Planned

The dedication of Lee Elder Way will be celebrated with a series of events during the week of the 2025 Masters Tournament, culminating in the 5th Annual Masters & Mimosas, a golf-themed networking fundraiser on April 13, 2025, at Langston Golf Course.​
 

Join Us in Honoring a Legend

The symbolic renaming of 26th Street NE as Lee Elder Way is a tribute to a trailblazer whose impact transcends golf. As the community gathers to celebrate his legacy, we are reminded of Lee Elder’s indomitable spirit and his unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and building bridges.

For more information, to make a donation, or join our mailing list visit www.friendsoflangston.org or contact the Langston Golf Course Conservancy at langstongcc@gmail.com

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About the Langston Golf Course Conservancy

Founded in 2021, the Langston Golf Course Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to revitalizing the historic Langston Golf Course. Its mission includes promoting Black golf heritage, supporting youth golf programs, and fostering cultural and ecological stewardship. Through initiatives like the Annual Lee Elder Memorial Golf Charity Classic, the Conservancy ensures that Langston Golf Course remains a vital part of Washington’s cultural and historical landscape while inspiring future generations.

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