History of Jim Dent in Timeline

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

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

May 9, 1939: James Lacey Dent's Birth

On May 9, 1939, James Lacey Dent, later known as a professional golfer nicknamed “Big Boy,” was born.

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.

1959: Football Scholarship at Paine College

In 1959, Jim Dent received a football scholarship and played as an end at Paine College, a HBCU in Augusta.

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: Birth of Daughter

In 1973, Jim Dent and his wife, Willye Malveaux Dent, had a daughter.

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: Birth of Son

In 1976, Jim Dent and his wife, Willye Malveaux Dent, had a son.

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.

1990: Kroger Senior Classic Shortened

In 1990, the Kroger Senior Classic was shortened to 36 holes due to rain.

1991: United States DuPont Cup Teams

In 1991, Jim Dent was a member of the United States DuPont Cup teams.

1994: Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Induction

In 1994, Jim Dent was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

2010: Retired from Champions Tour

In 2010, Jim Dent retired from the Champions Tour.

2020: Jim Dent Way

In 2020, the road leading to Augusta Municipal Golf Course, also known as "The Patch," was renamed "Jim Dent Way" in his honor.

2022: Inducted into Caddie Hall of Fame

In 2022, Jim Dent was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame.

May 2, 2025: James Lacey Dent's Death

On May 2, 2025, American professional golfer James Lacey Dent passed away. He had a career spanning over 40 years on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions.