Sun May 04 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Golfer Jim Dent Dies at 85
**Augusta, GA** – Jim Dent, a renowned PGA Tour golfer known for his prodigious length off the tee and a remarkable career that spanned decades, passed away Friday at the age of 85, a week before his birthday. His grandson announced the news on Facebook. The PGA Tour confirmed that Dent suffered a stroke the day after Augusta National announced Tiger Woods’s involvement in designing a new par-3 course at The Patch, the Augusta municipal course where Dent honed his skills.
Dent’s journey began in the caddie yards of Augusta, Georgia. Despite facing hardship – losing both parents by age 12 – he worked at Augusta Country Club and caddied for Masters Tournament players, including Bob Goalby and Bob Rosburg. His early experiences, while shaping his golf game, also taught him valuable life lessons, as he himself noted.
His golfing career took off after he qualified for the PGA Tour in 1970. While he never secured a PGA Tour victory, his powerful drives were legendary, earning him the inaugural World Long Drive Championship in 1974. He consistently played a full schedule, showcasing his remarkable talent and tenacity. His impressive career included a near-win at the 1972 Walt Disney World Open Invitational, where he finished second to Jack Nicklaus. Later in his career, after turning 50, he achieved 12 victories on the PGA Tour Champions.
Dent’s contributions extended beyond his impressive golfing achievements. His dedication and success inspired many, and Augusta National recognized his legacy by naming the road leading into The Patch “Jim Dent Way” in 2020. Two years later, he was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame. His son, Jim Dent Jr., now serves as the head professional at The Patch, which is undergoing significant upgrades, including a new par-3 course designed by Tiger Woods to honor Augusta National caddies. This project underscores the lasting impact Dent had on the golfing world and his cherished Augusta community.
First Piper 