Augusta, Georgia, is known worldwide as the home of the Masters Tournament, but beyond the fairways and greens lies a rich history of African American caddies whose contributions shaped the game in ways often overlooked. For generations, Black caddies played an integral role in Augusta’s golfing legacy, serving as expert guides for some of the sport’s greatest players while forging a strong cultural identity within the Sand Hills neighborhood.
The Unseen Champions of Augusta’s Golf Legacy
During the early days of the Masters Tournament, caddies weren’t just bag carriers—they were strategists, mentors, and essential figures in a player’s success. These men possessed unmatched knowledge of Augusta National Golf Club’s layout, using their insight to navigate the course’s tricky greens and unpredictable slopes.
Some of the most celebrated African American caddies included:
- Willie “Cemetery” Perteet – Known for his calm demeanor and sharp course knowledge, he worked with multiple golfers at Augusta National.
- Willie Peterson, Jr. – The trusted caddie for Jack Nicklaus, who won five Masters titles with Peterson by his side.
- Carl Jackson – A record-setting caddie who worked 54 Masters Tournaments and helped Ben Crenshaw to victory in 1984 and 1995.
- Edwin B. McCoy, Jr. – A legendary figure in Augusta’s caddie history, guiding several players to success.
- Roosevelt Smalley, Sr. – Another icon whose contributions helped elevate the role of Black caddies in professional golf.
These men, among many others, transformed caddying into an art form, elevating their roles beyond mere assistants to indispensable figures in golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
The Sand Hills Community: A Historic Hub
Many of these legendary caddies hailed from Augusta’s Sand Hills neighborhood, an area that became a hub for Black caddies due to its proximity to Augusta National and the Augusta Country Club. The Sand Hills community nurtured generations of young men who, with mentorship from seasoned caddies, learned the skills necessary to excel in the sport. This neighborhood wasn’t just a place of residence; it was a cultural foundation for Augusta’s golfing traditions, where knowledge was passed down, and a sense of pride in caddie excellence was instilled.
Commemorating Their Legacy: The Black Caddies Sculpture Unveiling
To honor the contributions of these remarkable men, the Black Caddies Sculpture will be unveiled at the Sand Hills Community Center on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 3 PM. This commemorative piece, created by Ed Durant and Baruti Tucker, stands as a tribute to the caddies who shaped Augusta’s golf history. Inspired by images of legendary caddies such as William Stokes, Willie Peterson, Jr., Edwin B. McCoy, Jr., Jariah Beard, Sr., Carl Jackson, and Roosevelt Smalley, Sr., the sculpture immortalizes their legacy in a way that ensures their stories live on.
The unveiling ceremony will feature reflections from golf historians, former caddies, and community leaders, along with a keynote speech by Garreth Carpenter, the grandnephew of Masters Champion Caddy E.B. McCoy, Jr. The event will be followed by a reception, where attendees can further engage with the history and impact of Augusta’s African American caddies.
A Call to the Community
The unveiling of the Black Caddies Sculpture is more than just an event—it is a moment of recognition, appreciation, and historical preservation. We invite all members of the Augusta community to join us in celebrating these unsung heroes. Their stories, sacrifices, and contributions deserve to be remembered and honored. This sculpture not only cements their place in golf history but also serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Mark your calendars for April 3, 2025, at 3 PM at the Sand Hills Community Center, and be part of this historic moment as Augusta pays tribute to the Black caddies who helped shape the game of golf.