The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, is a highly anticipated event in the world of golf. However, what is often overlooked is the crucial role that Black caddies played in the history of the tournament. For over 50 years, these unsung heroes were the backbone of the game, providing invaluable support to the world’s top golfers. In recent years, efforts have been made to recognize and celebrate their contributions. One such effort is the Augusta’s Black Caddies: The Men on the Bag experience, which took place at the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History during Masters Week. The story of the Black caddies is a rich and complex one, spanning multiple generations and involving some of the most iconic figures in golf history. The experience was created by the museum’s executive director, Corey Rogers, and his team, in collaboration with Destination Augusta and Leon Maben. Maben, an avid golfer, was inspired by the Kentucky Derby Hall of Fame and wanted to bring a similar celebration to Augusta.
- Willie “Pappy” Stokes, considered the godfather of caddies, worked for famous golfers such as Bobby Jones and Gene Sarazen.
- Cemetery Perteet, a personal caddie of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower, was one of the first Black caddies to work at Augusta National Golf Club.
- Lawrence Bennett, a caddie master for 50 years, spent many years at Augusta National Golf Club, starting at the age of 11 and retiring at 60.
“From the beginning of the Masters, they were there,” said Corey Rogers, the museum’s executive director. “We wanted to kind of give them the shine and let them be in the spotlight for the moment.”
The celebration included a play on two of the caddies, Willie “Pappy” Stokes and Willie Frank “Cemetery” Perteet. Stokes, known for his exceptional knowledge of the land at Augusta National Golf Club, was a key figure in the history of the tournament. Perteet, on the other hand, was a personal caddie of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of his clients.
| Years | Event | Description |
| 1920s | The Masters Tournament | Willie “Pappy” Stokes begins working at Augusta National Golf Club. |
| 1930s | The Masters Tournament | Cemetery Perteet starts working at Augusta National Golf Club as a personal caddie for former president Dwight D. Eisenhower. | 1950s-1960s | The Masters Tournament | Lawrence Bennett begins working at Augusta National Golf Club as a caddie. |
The celebration also included a book signing by Ward Clayton, author of the book “The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National.” Clayton spoke about the history of the caddies and the importance of recognizing their contributions to the game. “They deserve the publicity for that,” said Ward Clayton. “The history of the caddies was put to the side, but I’m glad their history is being told.”
Another attendee, Lawrence Bennett, shared his own experiences working at Augusta National Golf Club. Bennett, a retired teacher at Westside High School in Augusta, spent many years as a caddie, starting at the age of 11 and retiring at 60.
| Experience | Description |
| Meeting Dwight D. Eisenhower | Bennett remembered meeting the former president when he was a little boy. |
| Meeting Sandra Day O’Conor | Bennett recalled meeting former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and receiving her pocket-sized copy of the constitution. |
The experience at the Lucy C. Laney Museum of Black History was a celebration of the men who worked behind the scenes to make the Masters Tournament possible. By recognizing their contributions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the history of the game and the people who made it possible. Key Takeaways:
- Black caddies played a crucial role in the history of the Masters Tournament.
- The experience at the Lucy C.
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