Augusta, Georgia resident, professional golfer Jim Dent received the honor of being inducted into The Caddie Hall of Fame in 2022. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game of golf and society through caddying and using caddying as a steppingstone to professional success, a reception at The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History in Augusta, Georgia, on May 20, 2022, celebrated the occassion.
Dent, age 83, has long participated in the sport and is recognized worldwide for his golfing skills. As a young man he caddied at Augusta National Golf Club and Augusta Country Club, this is where the 6′ 3″ golfer fell in love with the game.
Dent started caddying at the age of 15 and later caddied for major championship winner Bob Rosburg and Masters Champion Bob Goalby. Dent put his close proximity to these great players to use, studying them, their swing, and their game strategy, closely. He gained tremendous insight from the likes of Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead, and applied their swing techniques to his own.
Dent attended his the historically Black Paine College and turned pro in 1966. It was during his regular (under 50) career that he succeeded in becoming a Florida PGA Champion three times.
The induction of Dent highlights the tradition and importance of caddying by recognizing and celebrating individuals who have devoted their lives to the game of golf through caddying or by supporting the role of caddies, or who have used their experiences as a youth caddie as a stepping stone for success.
ABOUT THE CADDIE HALL OF FAME
The Caddie Hall of Fame was created in 1999 by the Professional Caddies Association and founded by Dennis and Laura Cone. The Western Golf Association took over formal administration in 2011. Notable members of the Caddie Hall of Fame include: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gene Sarazen, Charles “Chick” Evans, Steve Williams, Jim “Bones” Mackay, Peter Ueberroth and Joe LaCava.
