Jim Dent Explained

Jim Dent
Fullname:James Lacey Dent
Birth Date:9 May 1939
Birth Place:Augusta, Georgia
Weight:224lb
College:Paine College
Yearpro:1966
Tour:Champions Tour
Extour:PGA Tour
Prowins:16
Champwins:12
Otherwins:4
Masters:DNP
Usopen:T36: 1979
Open:DNP
Pga:T34: 1978

James Lacey Dent (born May 9, 1939) is an American professional golfer.

Dent was born in the golf mecca of Augusta, Georgia, home of the Masters Tournament, though as an African American he wouldn't have been allowed onto the Augusta National course at the time, except as a caddie. He caddied both at Augusta National and at Augusta Country Club as a youth. Dent attended Augusta's historically black Paine College.

Dent turned pro in 1966. During his regular (under 50) career he was Florida PGA Champion three times. However he is mainly notable for his success on the Senior PGA Tour (now Champions Tour), where he won 12 tournaments between 1989 and 1998. Known for his driving ability, Dent was in 1974 the inaugural winner of the World Long Drive Championship and would go on to retain the title in 1975.

Professional wins (16)

Other wins (3)

Senior PGA Tour wins (12)

No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin of
victory
Runner(s)-up
1MONY Syracuse Senior Classic−15 (69-68-64=201)1 stroke Al Geiberger
2Jul 30, 1989Newport Cup−10 (67-73-66=206)1 stroke Harold Henning
3Mar 18, 1990Vantage at The Dominion−11 (69-70-66=205)3 strokes Harold Henning
4Jun 17, 1990MONY Syracuse Senior Classic (2)−17 (66-67-66=199)1 stroke George Archer
5Jul 15, 1990Kroger Senior Classic−9 (67-66=133)*1 stroke Harold Henning
6Sep 23, 1990Crestar Classic−14 (73-64-65=202)1 stroke Lee Trevino
7Oct 26, 1992Newport Cup (2)−12 (67-69-68=204)1 stroke Jimmy Powell
8Bruno's Memorial Classic−15 (66-68-67=201)2 strokes Bob Charles, Larry Gilbert,
Kermit Zarley
9Jun 11, 1995BellSouth Senior Classic−13 (66-69-68=203)2 strokes Bob Murphy
10Bank of Boston Senior Classic−12 (69-68-67=204)1 stroke Jay Sigel, Tom Wargo
11May 11, 1997Home Depot Invitational−8 (68-70-70=208)Playoff Larry Gilbert, Lee Trevino
12Home Depot Invitational (2)−9 (67-68-72=207)Playoff Bob Charles
*Note: The 1990 Kroger Senior Classic was shortened to 36 holes due to rain.

Senior PGA Tour playoff record (2–2)

No.YearTournamentOpponent(s)Result
11993Ralphs Senior Classic Dale DouglassLost to birdie on first extra hole
21997Home Depot Invitational Larry Gilbert, Lee TrevinoDent won with birdie on second extra hole
Gilbert eliminated by birdie on first hole
31998Home Depot Invitational Bob CharlesWon with par on third extra hole
42000Vantage Championship Gil Morgan, Larry NelsonNelson won with birdie on sixth extra hole
Dent eliminated by birdie on first hole

See also