Is the ninth of 12 children. Grew up next to eighth fairway at Roxboro (N.C.) CC, where father, Elbert Sr., was the superintendent.

One of his brothers, Chuck, played for a period on the PGA TOUR and in several events on the Champions Tour in 1998, while another brother, Bill, went through the National Qualifying Tournament several times.

Earned a football scholarship to Morgan State as a running back.