The Commemorative Augusta African American Champion Caddies Monument
March 2025
Information provided by Joyce G.D. Law
The Augusta National has long been revered for its prestige and history, but behind every legendary golfer stands a caddie whose expertise shaped countless victories. A new mural, created by renowned muralist and arts educator Baruti Tucker, now immortalizes these often-overlooked champions of the game. With his signature awfingah technique, Tucker brings to life the faces of Masters Tournament Champion Caddies William Stokes, Willie Peterson, Jr., Edwin B. McCoy, Jr., Jariah Beard, Sr., Carl Jackson, and Roosevelt Smalley, Sr., spanning multiple eras and representing the enduring legacy of Augusta’s African American caddies.
Over the many years that golf has been recognized in Augusta, local African American caddies have and continue to play an essential yet frequently unrecognized role in the professional sport. Their unmatched knowledge of a course’s challenging terrain has guided champion golfers to historic victories, even while their own names faded into the background. From the early days of the Augusta Invitational, later renamed the Masters Tournament, caddie names remained largely undocumented. Their contributions left widely unrecorded.
Muralist Baruti Tucker took this to heart and incorporated an azalea wreath at the flat end of the tee sculpture that represents the infamous 11th, 12th, and 13th holes of Augusta National, collectively known as “Amen Corner.” Accompanying this wreath are portraits of caddies and “men on the bag”. This is a statement of recognition to those whose dedication shaped the Augusta National experience behind the scenes.
African American caddies were the dominant presence on Augusta’s courses, beginning at Augusta Country Club (1899), transitioning to Forest Hill Golf Club (1925), and culminating at Augusta National Golf Club (constructed in 1931-1932). Many had once worked alongside family members to transform what was Fruitlands Nursery into the world-renowned golf course we know today, the Augusta National. Over generations, they honed an unparalleled understanding of the course, their skills later tested at the Augusta Municipal Golf Club—affectionately called “The Patch” following its desegregation in 1964.
Events such as the Augusta National Caddie Tournament, The Augusta Herald Amateur Golf Tournament, and the Augusta Black Festival Golf Tournament provided these caddies opportunities to showcase their own competitive prowess as golfers.
Most caddies hailed from Augusta’s Sand Hills and Harrisburg Historic Districts, within walking distance of the courses where they worked, while others carpooled from neighborhoods such as Laney-Walker Historic and Bethlehem Historic Districts. Successive Caddie Masters played a pivotal role in mentoring young caddies from their neighborhoods, instilling core competencies and fostering camaraderie among them. Building a legacy of knowledge that stretched across many generations.
A special feature of this mural is the incorporation of inscribed bricks, paying tribute to early caddies who created that ripple effect we see today. A QR code on the permanent outdoor interpretive panels will allow for additional names to be recorded, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.
Perhaps the most significant discovery during this project was the correction of the first recorded Masters Champion Caddie’s name. Previously misidentified as Thor “Stovepipe” Nordwall, research confirmed that the true name of the 1935 champion caddie was John Henry “Stovepipe” Gordon. This revelation, corroborated through interviews with the King-Thurmond Family, Mr. Jariah Beard, and historical documentation, restores his rightful place in golf history.
This sculpture and mural joins several created by Edward Durant at Forest Hills Golf Club and First Tee-Augusta, each standing as a testament to Augusta’s profound impact on the world of golf. As visitors admire this tribute, they are reminded that the legacy of Augusta’s caddies is one of skill, perseverance, and an indelible mark on the sport.
This project was made possible with the support of dedicated sponsors and collaborators, including the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, Former Commissioner William “Bill” Fennoy, Augusta’s Department of Parks & Recreation, Department of Engineering, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, golf historians Dr. Russell K. Brown and Ramona Harriet, and the contributions of numerous families and local businesses.
We extend our gratitude to our donors, including Johnson, Laschober & Associates, P.C., Augusta Country Club, the Hadden Family of Phoenix Printing Group, and the Robert Caldwell Family, for their generosity in supporting the professional landscaping of the tee sculpture plaza.
The history of Augusta National’s caddies is one of excellence, resilience, and deep knowledge of the game. Their influence extends beyond the fairways and greens, shaping not only the Masters Tournament but also the broader history of golf. This tribute ensures that their names, their stories, and their mastery will be remembered for generations to come.
Most importantly, we want to give thanks to the countless named and unnamed caddies who have contributed to the rich history of golf that stands before us today in Augusta’s River Region. Without them, none of it would not have been possible.
To read the info panels written by Joyce G.D. Law, please click here : Panels for the Champion Caddies Monument.
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- Ed Durant and Baruti Tucker
