Jim Dent, PGA Senior Tour Champion Passes Away at 85

Memorial Arrangements:

Arrangement handled by Thomas Poteet & Sons Funeral Directors

Jim Dent, a trailblazing figure in American golf, passed away on Friday, May 2, at 3:54 p.m., at Piedmont Hospital in downtown Augusta, surrounded by family, as confirmed by his son, Joseph Dent.

During Masters Week Dent suffered a stroke and was recovering. He was present and surrounded by friends and fellow golf pioneers at a special April 6 event in Augusta, Georgia, celebrating the 50th anniversary of professional golfer Lee Elder breaking the color barrier by playing in the Masters. The Dent family was also honored during the event, and Jim shared reflections on his journey and how he overcame adversity to achieve 12 victories on the Senior PGA Tour (now PGA Tour Champions). Dent suffered a second stroke the following day, on April 7, and was hospitalized in the days leading to his passing.

Born May 9, 1939, in Augusta, Dent’s love for golf began at an early age while working as a caddie at Augusta National Golf Club. Despite growing up in a time of deep racial segregation, he pursued his passion with determination and turned professional in 1966. Though he never claimed a PGA Tour title, Dent became a force on the now PGA Tour Champions, earning 12 wins between 1989 and 1998, including the Vantage Championship and multiple Florida PGA Seniors titles. Renowned for his prodigious length off the tee, he was one of the longest hitters of his generation.

Throughout his life, Dent broke barriers and inspired generations of African American golfers. His powerful swing, resilience, and sportsmanship earned him a place among golf’s most admired figures. As the golfing world remembers his achievements and legacy, memorial arrangements are being made as the Dent family gathers to honor a life well played.