AN ODE TO THE ONES UNKNOWN
WILLIE STOKES
PAPPY
Willie Lee“Pappy”Stokes (1920–2006) was a legendary professional golf caddie at Augusta National Golf Club, widely regarded as the "Grandfather of Caddies". He is most famous for his deep connection to the land and his record-setting success during the early years of The Masters.
A native of Augusta, GA, Stokes was born and raised on the parcel of land that later became Augusta National. Stokes worked at the club for much of his life, leaving only to serve for four years in the U.S. Military. Stokes is the youngest caddie ever to be on the bag for a Masters victory, a distinction he earned working alongside Henry Picard in 1938. He went on to win four more times in 1948 with Claude Harmon, in 1951 and 1953 with Ben Hogan, and 1956 with Jack Burke, Jr. Stokes died in 2006 at age 86.
For his work promoting the important role of caddies in the game of golf, Pappy Stokes earned a place in the Caddie Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who support caddying.
CARL JACKSON
Carl Jackson is a legendary figure in golf, best known for hisrecord-breaking 54 appearances as a caddieat The Masters Tournament. A protégé of Pappy Stokes, Jackson became the premier expert on Augusta National’s greens, helping define the modern role of the caddie as a strategic partner.
Jackson began his career caddying at Augusta National in 1958. He first caddied in the Masters in 1961 at age 14 when he worked alongside Billy Burke. Though he briefly caddied for Bruce Devlin and Gary Player, Jackson is most well-known for his work alongside Ben Crenshaw. The two first worked together in 1976, and Jackson was on the bag for Crenshaw in 39 Masters, including Crenshaw’s victories in 1984 and 1995. Jackson caddied in every Masters tournament but one between 1961 and 2015.
For his work promoting the important role of caddies in the game of golf, Carl Jackson earned a place in the Caddie Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who support caddying.
WILLIE PETERSON
PETE
Willie“Pete” Peterson (1937–1999) was one of the most successful caddies in the history of The Masters, famously serving as the right-hand man for Jack Nicklaus.
JARIAH BEARD
BUBBA
Jariah“Bubba”(or "Jerry") Beard (1941–2023) was a storied Augusta National caddie, best known for guiding rookie Fuzzy Zoeller to a historic Masters victory in 1979.
AUGUSTA's BLACK CADDIES
MEN ON THE BAG
Classic shot of Arnold Palmer sitting with a group of local caddies during the 1965 Masters.