“If I didn’t learn how to do caddying, I never would have been a golfer, and I never would have made the little money that I did.” These heartfelt words from the late Jim Dent, a trailblazing figure in golf who left us far too soon on May 2 at the age of 85, resonate deeply. Dent’s passing leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of golf, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the remarkable career he built from his humble beginnings as a caddie.
Born and raised in Augusta, Dent’s journey from carrying bags to competing professionally was paved with dedication and natural talent. As a caddie, Dent developed a deep understanding of the game, and his impressive length off the tee – often driving the ball over 300 yards with steel and persimmon clubs – caught the attention of mentors and sponsors alike.
Under the guidance of Lawson “Red” Douglas and Johnny Goodman, Dent’s game flourished, and he turned pro in 1966 with the support of real estate developer Mose Stevens. Though he didn’t win on the PGA Tour, Dent found success on the over-50 circuit, capturing 12 titles on the PGA Tour Champions, and it seems he made a few friends there as well who are now mourning the loss.
While the two did not have a close relationship, PGA Tour legend Gary Player took to X to express his shock and sadness upon hearing of Jim Dent’s passing. Player fondly recalled meeting Dent as a fine gentleman, and just last week, the two had a chance to catch up on the phone. “Jim Dent was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met,” Player said, adding that Dent’s son had facilitated the call, allowing him to reconnect with his old acquaintance.
“An incredible talent whom I admired. He will be missed very much,” Player said, extending his condolences to Dent’s family. He praised them for having raised such a wonderful individual, saying, “Jim’s family can be proud of such a great gentleman and a wonderful golfer.”
Jim Dent was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met. I was very surprised to hear that he passed away because I spoke to him just last week. Having met his son, who is a wonderful young man, he got Jim on the phone, and we were able to catch up. Jim’s family can be proud of…
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) May 5, 2025
Dent and Player were pioneer golfers of their time, and it’s safe to say that they had crossed paths in competition quite a few times. With warm words, Player paid tribute to Dent’s character and golfing prowess, highlighting the impact he had on those who knew him. Gary Player, however, is not the only one who has publicly expressed his feelings on Dent’s passing.
‘A lot of people will remember Jim Dent’- President of the PGA Tour Champions
Miller Barber, president of the PGA Tour Champions, also paid tribute to Dent’s remarkable career, saying, “A lot of people will remember Jim Dent for how far he hit the ball, and he really did.” However, Barber noted that Dent’s lasting success on the tour proved he was more than just a long hitter, showcasing his skill and dedication to the game.
Dent’s journey to becoming a professional golfer was shaped by his experiences as a caddie at Augusta National and Augusta Country Club. He recalled learning valuable lessons, but also getting into mischief, saying, “The Second thing I learned how to do when I learned how to caddie was shoot dice and play cards. She was dead right,” after his aunt warned him about the potential pitfalls of caddying.
Dent’s legacy extends beyond his playing career, with his son Jim Dent Jr. now serving as the head pro at The Patch, and the course being upgraded with support from Augusta National, including a new par-3 course designed by Tiger Woods. Well, Dent will surely be remembered by everyone in the golf community, and we pray that his soul rests in peace.
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