First Black Golfer to Play in the Masters is Described by Specialty Infusion Pharmacy Services Company as an ‘Endless Source of Inspiration’
BioTek reMEDys, one of the nation’s largest specialty infusion pharmacies focused on rare diseases – and a minority owned company – issued a statement today honoring late, legendary golfer Lee Elder.
Elder, who broke down racial barriers as the first Black golfer to play in the Masters and paved the way for Tiger Woods and other athletes of color to follow, died earlier this week at the age of 87.
A native Texan who developed his game during segregated times while caddying, Elder made history in 1975 at Augusta National, which had been an all-white tournament until he received an invitation after winning the Monsanto Open the previous year.
The PGA had a “Caucasian-only” rule until 1961 – 14 years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. It took another 14 years for the Masters to invite a Black player, and that player was Elder.
Elder had been a significant presence in US golf in the late 1960s and early 70s, yet had waited in vain for an invite to the Masters, one of the four “majors” of golf. His profile reached such heights that the PGA had no choice but to offer Elder a place. Elder’s history-making participation in 1975 meant that another racial barrier in US sport had been broken down.
“Lee was a good friend and an endless source of inspiration,” said BioTek reMEDys founder and avid golfer Chai Gadde, RPh MBA. “He was a great golfer, but an even greater man. His pioneering courage in the sport embodies how we conduct business at BioTek. As an organization focused on compassion and indiscriminate access to care, Lee set an example for us and how we have built the corporate culture at BioTek. The world has lost a true hero.”
Gadde, who had struck up a friendship with Elder, was among the invited guests in attendance at the Masters this past year, when Elder was honored with the ceremonial opening tee.
“It was deeply moving to be physically present to see Lee recognized,” said Gadde. “We will continue to celebrate his legacy.”
Founded in 2011, BioTek reMEDys, based in New Castle, DE, has become one of the nation’s largest independent infusion pharmacies focused on home infusion and infusion suites. Chai Gadde opened the pharmacy to meet the specific needs of patients who require specialty medications. BioTek reMEDys and its affiliates are now licensed to operate in all 50 states. For information visit www.biotekrx.com.