By Bianca Sierra

FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

James Lacey Dent (May 9, 1939 – May 2, 2025) was an American professional golfer. Dent, who was nicknamed “Big Boy” because of his size and long drives, played professionally for more than 40 years on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. During his PGA Tour career, he won four unofficial tournaments and approximately a half-million dollars. In 1974 and 1975, Dent won the first two World Long Drive Championships. On the PGA Champions Tour, he won 12 tournaments and more than $9 million. In recognition of his career accomplishments, Dent was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and  National Black Golf Hall of Fame, among others.

In 2025, Dent, who was recovering from a stroke, attended the Masters to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lee Elder becoming the first black player to play in the tournament. The next day, Dent suffered a second stroke and died on May 2, 2025, at the age of 85; one week before his 86th birthday.^[

Dent began his career in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area, working as a busboy and waiter at the Smithfield Inn, and practicing and playing golf at night. In 1961, he returned to Augusta to caddie for Patty Berg at the Titleholders Championship, that was an LPGA major; Berg finished second in the tournament.

In his 20s, Dent began entering local golf tournaments. He eventually moved to California, where he met Mose “Mo” Stevens, a wealthy black businessman who became his benefactor. Stevens would pay for Dent’s daily practice sessions and sponsored him on the professional golf tour.

In 1966, Dent turned professional. He played on a minor league golf circuit and in events hosted by the United Golfers Association, a tour that attracted the top black golfers of that era. In 1969, Dent won the National Negro Open and other tournaments, including the $100,000 Queen Mary event.