Jim Dent, a pioneering Black golfer from Augusta, Georgia, passed away on May 2, 2025, at 85, leaving behind his wife of 21 years and seven children.
He was a pioneer who rose from caddying at Augusta National to becoming a celebrated professional golfer.
Jim Dent’s wife, Willye Malveaux, and their loving family survive him. Their story is one of resilience, love, and breaking barriers.
Jim grew up in a segregated Augusta, where Black people couldn’t play at Augusta National except as caddies.
As a young boy, he carried bags for golf greats like Bob Rosburg and Bob Goalby at the Masters.
He learned the game by closely watching and swinging clubs at The Patch, a local municipal course.
Jim’s passion for golf burned bright, even when opportunities were scarce.
His aunt, Mary Benton, raised him after he lost both parents by age 12.
She worried caddying would lead to gambling, but Jim’s determination won out.
He played in Black-only tournaments with the United Golfers Association, honing his skills. His big hitting caught the eyes, and he turned pro in 1966.
Jim never won on the PGA Tour but made history as one of the longest hitters.
He won the World Long Drive Championship in 1974 and 1975.
After turning 50, he shone on the PGA Tour Champions, winning 12 tournaments between 1989 and 1998.
His success showed Black golfers they could compete at the highest levels.
Augusta honored Jim’s legacy by naming the road to The Patch “Jim Dent Way” in 2020.
In 2022, he was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame.
His son, Jim Dent Jr., now serves as head pro at The Patch, carrying on his father’s love for the game.
Jim Dent’s Wife, Willye Malveaux, Was His Partner Through Much Of His Journey
They married over twenty years ago and built a warm family life.
Together, they adopted five children: twin brothers Joseph and Joshua, Victoria, and Jamie, in addition to the two children, Radiah and James Antonio, from Jim’s first marriage.
Willye stood by Jim, facing challenges, from racial barriers in golf to health struggles later in life.
Willye shared that same strength, supporting Jim as he lived those values.
Their home was filled with love, laughter, and pride in Jim’s achievements.
Unfortunately, on May 2, 2025, Jim left behind his beloved wife and children.
Jim suffered a stroke the day after Augusta National announced plans for Tiger Woods to design a par-3 course at The Patch.
He passed away a week before his 86th birthday.
His family shared the news on Facebook, and the golf world mourned a legend.
Jim Dent’s wife, Willye Malveaux, and their family carry his memory forward.
His story reminds us that hard work and heart can break down walls. From a caddie in Augusta to a golf icon, Jim Dent’s life inspires us all.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dent, nicknamed “Big Boy” for his size and long drives, played professionally for nearly 50 years on the PGA Tour Champions.
- Jim Dent turned professional in 1966.
- Dent was the inaugural winner of the World Long Drive Championship in 1974 and would go on to retain the title.
