Jim Dent was an Augusta native through and through, even though he never played the Masters. Despite that, nothing proves his love for the course more than his presence at Augusta National this year, just a day before he suffered his second stroke in three weeks. As one of the best Black golfers of his era, Dent attended the iconic course to participate in the observance of the 50th anniversary of Lee Elder becoming the first Black player to compete in the Masters. However, Dent was iconic in his own way.

In his combined 40 years of PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions history, Jim Dent achieved 12 wins during his 21-year career on the PGA Tour Champions. He ranked in the top 10 on the season-long money list seven times on the senior tour, earning over $9 million in total. Unfortunately, according to the most recent update from Augusta, the Caddie Hall of Famer passed away at the age of 85 on May 2. But what a great run he had with the sport!

For Jim Dent, his relationship with golf began modestly as a caddie. For the icon born in 1939, the sport welcomed him with a role as a caddie, where he followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Paul. However, for Dent, golf wasn’t his first love. He started with football at Laney High School alongside fellow student Emerson Boozer, who went on to win a Super Bowl. Although he wasn’t as talented as Boozer, Dent earned a football scholarship from Paine College.

A year later, he pursued his dream of becoming a professional golfer. However, it was at Augusta Municipal Golf Course that Dent learned to play under the careful guidance of Lawson “Red” Douglas. Dent developed his skills at “The Patch,” which got its name from a vegetable garden that Douglas planted near the 14th green. In 2020, to honor him, “The Patch” was renamed Jim Dent Way.

After years of trying, he finally earned his card in 1970, thanks to a tie for 10th at Tucson Country Club. Interestingly, although he never registered a win on the Tour, his entry in 1970 marked the beginning of a 16-year streak of full-time play, during which Dent participated in no fewer than 22 tournaments each season. Now, the loss of such an iconic figure in sports history feels unbearable.

Golf fans are in mourning at the loss of the iconic Black golfer, Jim Dent

One of the fans, hearing the shocking news, took to X to express their sadness with the words, “Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Dent.” Known for his amazing ball-hitting skills—where you’d have to check if the ball was fine after his shot—Jim Dent’s relationship with the Masters began early, even if it was in the role of a caddie. By the age of 15, Dent had caddied in his first of three Masters Tournaments.

One fan wrote an emotional message after the passing of the iconic golf figure, saying, “RIP Jim Dent, one of the first prominent black golfers. Wore his signature wide-brimmed hat. Ironically, although he was born in Augusta, GA, Dent never qualified for the Masters. As a kid, he caddied at Augusta National but wouldn’t have been allowed to play there because he was black.” Sadly, that is true. In fact, for the first 40 years of the iconic Augusta National event, only white golfers and black caddies were present. It wasn’t until Lee Elder in 1975 that the the first black player played at the Masters. However, Dent never qualified for the event, although he did play in five U.S. Opens and six PGA Championships.

PGA Tour Champions pro, Peter Jacobsen, and a fan were similarly in mourning, saying, “Sad news about our pal Jim Dent’s passing. He was a legend. RIP JD” while the other fan said, “Big Jim Dent, one of the best to ever do it. RIP.”  According to the latest update, uneral services are pending.

Another fan commented, “RIP. I knew Jim. He was a giving person, and yes, a heck of a player. Strong and long!” For instance, the legacy of the 2024 Honorable Life Member of the Masters City Golf Association awardee was one of the reasons behind the development of First Tee Augusta. The non-profit, founded in 2001, states that “Golf has not always been accessible to people of color” and focuses on involving low to moderate-income youth, minorities, girls, young people from underserved communities, and students with disabilities in golf. While thanking him for his immense contribution, we hope Jim Dent rests in peace.