EditorialJack Nicklaus during the honorary start ceremony at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Thursday’s tee times were delayed by weather. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialLee Elder waves as he is introduced and applauded by fellow honorary starters Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, far right, before the ceremonial tee shots to begin the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., April 8, 2021. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialLee Elder waves as he is introduced and applauded by fellow honorary starters Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, far right, before the ceremonial tee shots to begin the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Thursday, April 8, 2021. Lee Elder, who became the first African-American golfer to play in the Masters tournament, a signature moment in the breaking of racial barriers on the pro golf tour, has died. He was 87. The death was confirmed by the PGA Tour on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021. It did not specify when or where he died or give the cause. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialLee Elder waves as he is introduced and applauded by fellow honorary starters Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, far right, before the ceremonial tee shots to begin the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Thursday, April 8, 2021. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialLee Elder waves as he is introduced and applauded by honorary starters Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, right, before the ceremonial tee shots to begin the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Thursday, April 8, 2021. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialLee Elder, who became the first Black golfer to compete at the Masters Tournament in 1975, stands for a portrait on Nov. 9, 2020, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialJack Nicklaus greets spectators after hitting a ceremonial opening tee shot at the 84th Masters Tournament ahead of round one in Augusta, Ga., Thursday, Nov, 12, 2020. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
EditorialPaul Sullivan: Athletes like Jay Cutler and Jack Nicklaus are eager to share their political affiliation. But do their endorsements really carry weight in this year's election?