Jim Dent, a trailblazing Black golfer and one of the PGA Tour’s longest hitters, has died at the age of 85. Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Dent’s journey in golf began humbly in the caddie yards near Augusta National, including time spent working at the prestigious Masters Tournament. He refined his skills at Augusta’s municipal course, affectionately known as “The Patch,” where his passion and natural talent for the game began to flourish.
Despite facing social and racial barriers, Dent’s determination helped him rise through the ranks. He initially played in the United Golfers Association, a league established for Black players excluded from the PGA Tour. Later, he relocated to California to sharpen his game and took lessons from 1933 U.S. Open champion Johnny Goodman. Dent’s dedication paid off when he earned his PGA Tour card through qualifying school in 1970.
Though he never won a PGA Tour event, Dent maintained a consistent presence on the circuit for over a decade and a half, often competing in more than 20 tournaments each year. His most notable performance came at the 1972 Walt Disney World Open Invitational, where he entered the final round just two strokes behind Jack Nicklaus, only to witness Nicklaus shoot a blistering 64 to win by nine shots.
In 1983, Dent claimed a victory at the Michelob-Chattanooga Gold Cup Classic, a Tournament Players Series event designed for non-exempt players. His reputation as a powerful driver of the ball earned him the title at the inaugural World Long Drive Championship in 1974, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s premier power hitters.
Dent found even greater success after joining the senior circuit. After turning 50, he won 12 times on the PGA Tour Champions, where his talent continued to shine. Fellow professionals often remarked on his unmatched length off the tee, but his achievements proved he possessed far more than just brute strength. His victories reflected his consistency, work ethic, and deep knowledge of the game.
Dent’s early life was marked by personal challenges. He was the fourth of six children and lost both parents by the age of 12. He was raised by his aunt, Mary Benton, who was initially opposed to his involvement in caddying, fearing it would expose him to gambling. Her concerns proved prophetic, as Dent later acknowledged that learning to caddie introduced him not just to golf, but also to games of chance.
His caddie experience at Augusta National offered a front-row seat to professional golf at the highest level. He carried bags for players such as Bob Goalby and Bob Rosburg and played on courses only accessible to caddies after they performed maintenance tasks like removing crabgrass from the greens. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career.
In recent years, Dent was honored for his contributions to golf. In 2020, the road leading to The Patch was renamed Jim Dent Way, and in 2022, he was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame. His legacy also lives on through his son, Jim Dent Jr., who now serves as the head professional at The Patch.
Plans are underway to revitalize The Patch through support from Augusta National, including course upgrades and a Par 3 course designed by Tiger Woods to honor the caddie tradition that shaped Dent’s life. His story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the enduring power of opportunity.
