NEWS: Stephen Curry Pays Tribute to Lee Elder with Sweet Custom Kicks

Although it’s been over 45 years since Lee Elder first broke down barriers and blazed trails as the first black man to play in the Masters, his example continues to inspire people today.

In 1975, Elder became the first black man to play in the Masters tournament. This year at the age of 86, Elder served as the honorary starter at the opening of the tournament. Though he didn’t tee off as is customary, his presence served as a reminder of the things he had to fight through to make it on tour, and the barriers broken that had once seemed insurmountable.

On Friday night, just one day after Elder’s day in the sun as just the 10th ever honorary starter of the Masters, Stephen Curry stepped onto the basketball court in Oakland in a special pair of Curry 8 shoes, custom painted with tributes to Elder and his heroic life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Though Curry was over 2,500 miles away from Augusta, his decision to honor Elder was extremely touching and heartfelt. Often, NBA players wear custom shoes to show support for causes, to send messages, or to just have some fun. Curry, who has been known to honor specific people though his footwear, did so to congratulate, honor, and celebrate everything Elder is, was, and stands for.

S/o to the man who changed golf for GOOD 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/1oBYbwJErv

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 11, 2021

As part of Curry’s tribute to Elder, he also had custom ‘1975’ hats made, that were worn by about 50 people standing in the gallery as Elder kicked off the Masters.

Some of Curry’s Warrior teammates also wore the caps to their Friday night game against the Wizards.

“Like you always said, we’ll stay the course,” Curry remarked before flushing an iron shot for Elder. “Stay the course just like that baby. Thanks, Lee.”

Cover Image via Instagram