# @thejohnshippen on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy329A3uFYd
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/9607116-thejohnshippen-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/93f7a3b532.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-10-26T18:53:36.000+00:00

## Caption

In continuing with the goal of creating more awareness around historical black golf figures who paved the way, today we are going to be sharing the history of black caddies at the Masters.
 
Before 1983, the only caddies you would see during the Masters were the employed caddies of Augusta National Golf Course. 90% of these caddies grew up in Sand Hill, a historically Black district, just three miles from the Augusta Country Club. Local kids between ages 10-12 would carry bags for members at the Country Club. Ward Clayton, author of “Men on the Bag: The Caddies of Augusta National,” said “They were just looking for a buck…They weren’t aiming at the outset to become the greatest caddies in the world, but they did – that’s what they became.”
 
The Augusta caddies knew the course like the back of their hand and were able to read their golfer very well so they could help them during the tournament. The caddies didn’t have any of the tools and instruments most modern-day caddies have, the Augusta caddies were just the best at what they did. For nearly 50 years, the Masters only had Black caddies.
 
Until 1983, the Tour players finally got their way, and the rule was taken away so that competitors could bring their caddies they employed year-round. During that years Masters there were only 19 black caddies seen during the tournament. After a decade less than 10 of those original caddie corps remained.
 
These men are also champions of the sport and deserve their green jacket as well.
 
Thank you to the caddies at Augusta National Golf Course and the legacy you leave behind.

#blackhistory #blackgolf #augustanational

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 119
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 6

## Tags

blackgolf, augustanational, blackhistory

---
Copyright (c) Gondola