Jim Dent, a renowned figure in the world of golf, passed away last Friday at the age of 85, just a week shy of his birthday. His grandson shared the news on Facebook. Jim Dent’s legacy in golf is particularly notable as he emerged as one of the longest hitters and leading Black golfers of his era on the PGA Tour. After suffering a stroke, Dent’s passing coincided with the unveiling of plans for Tiger Woods to design a new par 3 course at a significant golf venue in Augusta, where Dent spent his formative years.
Reflecting on his journey in a 2012 interview with the USGA, Dent credited golf with teaching him crucial life values such as honesty and consistent hard work, emphasizing that the sport required dedication and adherence to rules. Raised in Augusta, Georgia, Dent honed his skills at “The Patch,” a local municipal course. Despite challenges in his early life, including the loss of his parents by the age of 12, he persevered and turned to golf. Initially, Dent contested in the United Golfers Association tournaments, which focused on Black players before moving to California for coaching under U.S. Open champion Johnny Goodman.
Dent earned his PGA Tour card in 1970. Though he did not secure a win on the PGA Tour, he participated in numerous tournaments over the years. His standout performance was in the 1972 Walt Disney World Open Invitational, where he kept pace with golf legend Jack Nicklaus until the final round. In 1983, he clinched victory at the Michelob-Chattanooga Gold Cup Classic, a part of the Tournament Players Series for players who were not fully exempt from the Tour. Dent was notably recognized for his exceptional driving distance and won the first World Long Drive Championship in 1974.
Upon reaching 50, Dent continued his career success on the PGA Tour Champions, capturing 12 victories. His prowess earned high praise, with Al Geiberger humorously suggesting Dent’s driving capabilities should be outlawed. Miller Brady, president of the PGA Tour Champions, highlighted that Dent’s achievements on the tour proved he had more in his arsenal than just long drives.
As the fourth of six children, Dent was raised by his aunt, following the death of his parents. Despite her reservations about him caddying — fearing it would lead him to gambling — Dent did just that. Working at Augusta Country Club, Dent fondly remembered the opportunities and camaraderie he found in caddying, even learning to play cards and shoot dice, a skill he acknowledged with wry amusement. Over his time as a caddy, Dent had the opportunity to assist players such as Bob Goalby and Bob Rosburg during the Masters at Augusta National.
In recognition of his contributions to golf and his roots in Augusta, the city honored him by naming the road into The Patch as “Jim Dent Way” in 2020. Dent’s influence extended to his family, with his son Jim Dent Jr. now serving as the head professional at The Patch, the same course where Dent honed his skills. Plans are also underway to revitalize The Patch with the support of Augusta National and renowned architects, while Tiger Woods will create a Par 3 course, “The Loop at The Patch,” commemorating caddies like Dent who played a pivotal role in its history.