Jim Dent
*Jim Dent was born on this date in 1939. He was a Black professional golfer.
James Lacey Dent was born in the golf mecca of Augusta, Georgia, home of the Masters Tournament, though as a Black youth, he would've only been allowed on the Augusta National course as a caddie at the time. Dent caddied at Augusta National and Augusta Country Club as a youth and attended Augusta's historically Black Paine College. Dent turned professional in 1966.
He was the Florida PGA Champion thrice during his regular (under 50) career. However, he is notable for his success on the Senior PGA Tour (now Champions Tour), winning 12 tournaments between 1989 and 1998. Known for his driving ability, Dent was the inaugural winner of the World Long Drive Championship in 1974 and would go on to retain the title in 1975.
Jim Dent died May 2, 2025, at the age of 85.
