Jim Dent

    Jim Dent

    Height: 6 ft. 3 in 

    Weight: 235 lbs 

    Birthday: 05/09/1939

    College:  Paine College

    Turned Pro: 1966

    Birthplace: Augusta, Georgia

    Country:  United States

    Sponsor: Callaway

     

    Having been born in Augusta, Georgia, the home of the Masters, Dent caddied at Augusta National in his youth. He was never allowed to play on the course due as he was African American and was therefore banned from playing at that time. He attended the local college in Pain. Dent turned pro in 1966 and was the foremost African American golfer of his generation and as a result he inspired many to take up the game of golf. He joined the PGA Tour in 1971.

    His best ever finish on the PGA Tour came in his second season when he finished in second place at the 1972 where he finished behind the great Jack Nicklaus. This was the first of three consecutive wins that Nicklaus would have at the event, the Walt Disney World Open Invitational. He would never win on Tour despite playing in 450 events. In his PGA Tour career, he amassed twenty five top 10s, ninety six top 25s and made the cut in 296 events, a made cut rate of 65%.

    Dent became eligible to play on the Champions Tour in 1989. In his first season, he won twice and finished the year in 12th position on the money list. The following season he won four times and ended the season 6th in the standings. By the end of his career, Dent had amassed twelve wins on the Champions Tour. The last time he played was in 2011 at the age of 72 years old. In 1994, he was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. For many years one of two sons caddied for him.