AUGUSTA, Ga. — Carl Jackson’s childhood was shaped at 2439 Mt. Auburn St. Now, 200 feet from his grade-school home, a structure was revealed this week celebrating the black caddies of Augusta National Golf Club.
“It’s right where I was raised,” said Jackson, who caddied Ben Crenshaw to Masters victories in 1984 and 1995. “It’s where we all grew up.”
Designed as a replica golf tee, the 25-foot painting depicts numerous iconic moments from Augusta National, including Willie Peterson — who caddied for Jack Nicklaus — raising his right hand after the Golden Bear drained a 40-footer on No. 16 at the 1975 Masters.
Also painted on the structure include Jackson, Pappy Stokes and Nathaniel "Iron Man" Avery.The artwork is titled “Commemorating the Black Caddies.”
“I didn’t use a paint brush,” said artist Baruti Tucker, who began the project in October. “I only used my fingers.”
Carl Jackson — at the urging of Crenshaw — will return to the Masters this week for the first time since 2023. The 78-year-old recently underwent back surgery and admits his mobility has been severely limited.
“I won’t be out there long,” said Jackson, who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. “It’s a real struggle to get around.”
Following the December passing of Marion Herrington — who looped Seve Ballesteros to his 1980 Masters triumph — only two Augusta National caddies who won the Masters are still living: Ben Bussey (1982) and Jackson (1984 and 1995).
Bussey suffered a stroke during COVID and is non-verbal and confined to a wheelchair.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Huge mural unveiled to honor Black caddies who worked Augusta National
