The story of Lee Elder is truly inspiring, and Linksoul is honoring his legacy and supporting his family through The Lee Elder Challenge on Saturday, March 18, 2023 @11AM. There is no better backdrop to host this event than at The Playground at Goat Hill Park Golf Course in Oceanside, California. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the Lee Elder Trust to cover his wife’s healthcare costs and sustain the Lee Elder Memorial Fund. For more event information, please link to all details: The Lee Elder Challenge is open to the public.
After standing lovingly by his side for 30 years, his wife Sharon now faces a serious health crisis of her own and is embattled with Alzheimer’s. Faced with mounting medical bills, rising healthcare costs, and no meaningful income to assist, the family is raising money to provide her care, which was always of paramount concern to Lee.
“It is heartening to see golfers and the golf community come together to celebrate Elder’s accomplishments and continue to uphold his legacy,” said Linksoul Co-founder John Ashworth “By supporting the Lee Elder Trust and Memorial Fund, we can ensure that his impact on the game and the world continues to be felt for years to come.”
Elder’s unwavering determination and optimism in the face of racism and discrimination broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black golfers. A Linksoul-chaptered series was written honoring his life and memories, providing insight into his journey as a golfer from his beginnings as a caddie to his historic moment as the first Black man to compete in the Masters in 1975. Elder’s impact on the sport and the lives he touched through his trailblazing efforts will forever be entwined with the soul of golf. Please see the Linksoul nine-chapter story of Lee Elder here.
Ashworth continued: “Working with the family of Lee Elder embodies the purpose of Linksoul, which is to celebrate the soul of golf and give back. We will continue to use our platform and resources to support causes that align with our values and make a difference in the world. “
In addition to fundraising at The Lee Elder Challenge, Linksoul created a LEE ELDER x LINKSOUL capsule commemorating Elder’s powerful example of breaking through race barriers in sports. With the 2023 LEE ELDER x LINKSOUL capsule, 100% of all proceeds will go directly to the Lee Elder Trust and Lee Elder Memorial Fund. The capsule includes commemorative T-shirts, Hats, Ball Marker, Glove and Golf Towel. The LEE ELDER x LINKSOUL capsule is available online at Linksoul.com.
About Linksoul:
Linksoul is more of a philosophy than a brand. They descend from a long line of golfers, craftsmen and artists. They believe in creating products and experiences they value, with the people they love, for the good of their families and their community. The Linksoul brand is based in Oceanside, CA is John Ashworth and artist-nephew Geoff Cunningham’s exploration of the spiritual, soulful core of pastimes like golf, surf, yoga, travel, hiking, cooking and more by creating apparel and accessories designed to seamlessly transition between these endeavors. They believe a good day for the modern man includes five things: time with family, time with friends, time in nature, creating things with your hands and physical exercise. Linksoul is designing apparel with the utility to be worn the entire day, seamlessly transitioning between all five. www.linksoul.com
About Lee Elder:
Lee Elder was born in Dallas, Texas in 1934, the same year as the inaugural Masters tournament. He would go on to break the color barrier at Augusta National in 1975 and later become the first black golfer to compete in the Ryder Cup (1979). He is revered as a trailblazer and golfing icon. He is survived by his wife Sharon and his stepdaughter, Dori, an LPGA Teaching Pro in Carlsbad, California. His career highlights include:
- 25 United Golf Association Victories
- 4 Wins in 17 PGA Tour Seasons
- 8 PGA Tour Champions Wins
- 4 International Wins (Nigeria Open, Jamaica Open, Coca-Cola Grand slam Championship)
- First Black Competitor at the Masters (1975)
- First Black Competitor in the Ryder Cup (1979)
- Competed in 1971 South African PGA Championship, a step towards ending Apartheid
- First Black Man Honored by the USGA with the Bob Jones Awards (2019)
