Career Timeline of Jim Dent: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 4, 2025

Discover the career path of Jim Dent, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

James "Jim" Dent, nicknamed "Big Boy," was an American professional golfer who competed for over 40 years on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. Though he earned around $500,000 and won four unofficial tournaments on the PGA Tour, Dent achieved greater success on the PGA Champions Tour. There, he secured 12 tournament victories and amassed over $9 million in earnings, marking a significant accomplishment in his golfing career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1956: First Masters as a Caddie

In 1956, at the age of 15, Jim Dent caddied in his first Masters Tournament, carrying the bags for Bob Rosburg.

1961: Caddying for Patty Berg

In 1961, Jim Dent returned to Augusta to caddie for Patty Berg at the Titleholders Championship, an LPGA major tournament, where Berg finished second.

1966: Turned Professional

In 1966, Jim Dent turned pro and played on a minor league golf circuit and in events hosted by the United Golfers Association, winning three times, including the $100,000 Queen Mary event.

1968: Failed to Earn PGA Tour Card

In 1968, Jim Dent attended the PGA TOUR’s Qualifying Tournament but failed to earn his tour card.

1969: Second Failed PGA Tour Qualifier

In 1969, Jim Dent again failed to qualify for the PGA Tour.

1970: Qualified for PGA Tour

In 1970, Jim Dent successfully qualified for the PGA Tour, finishing in a tie for tenth at the qualifier at the Tucson Country Club.

1972: Second Place at Walt Disney World Classic

In 1972, Jim Dent achieved his closest finish to winning a PGA tournament, tying for second place at the Walt Disney World Classic behind Jack Nicklaus.

1973: Earned $30,000 on Tour

In 1973, Jim Dent earned $30,000 on the PGA tour.

1974: Top 60 Finish on Tour

In 1974, Jim Dent had his best year on the PGA Tour, finishing in the Top 60 on the official money list.

1974: Won World Long Drive Championship

In 1974, Jim Dent won his first World Long Drive Championship.

1975: Won World Long Drive Championship

In 1975, Jim Dent won his second World Long Drive Championship.

1976: Florida PGA Championship

In 1976, Jim Dent won the first of three consecutive Florida PGA Championships.

1977: Florida PGA Championship

In 1977, Jim Dent won his second consecutive Florida PGA Championship.

1978: Florida PGA Championship

In 1978, Jim Dent won his third consecutive Florida PGA Championship.

1980: 1980 U.S. Open

In 1980, Jim Dent's best chance to earn a Masters berth came at the U.S. Open, where he needed to finish in the top eight but shot a 76 in the final round, ultimately tying for 38th.

1982: Earned Over $50,000 on Tour

In 1982, Jim Dent earned $55,095 on the PGA Tour, marking the only time he surpassed $50,000 in earnings and the second time he finished among the top 60 money-winners.

1983: Won Michelob-Chattanooga Gold Cup Classic

In 1983, Jim Dent played in the Tournament Players Series and won the Michelob-Chattanooga Gold Cup Classic.

1988: Provident Classic

In 1988, Jim Dent played in 10 PGA Tour events, finishing in the money six times and placing twice in the Top 10. He shared the lead at the Provident Classic in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but finished five strokes short of winning.

1989: Senior TOUR Rookie-of-the-Year

In 1989, Jim Dent was named Senior TOUR Rookie-of-the-Year by several golf publications.

1990: Career-Best Four Wins

In 1990, Jim Dent achieved a career-best four wins, including recording the lowest 54-hole winning score at the MONY Syracuse Senior Classic, finishing among the top 10 on the money list.