Augusta African American Caddies Monument ‘a long time coming’

When a crowd of caddies, their families, supporters, and curious onlookers gathered at the Sand Hill Community Center Thursday afternoon, the mood felt closer akin to a family reunion or revival than the unveiling of a piece of art.

The art in question – a 25-foot golf tee designed by Ed Durant and painted in his own distinctive style by artist Baruti Tucker. The project, proposed by former Augusta-Richmond County Commissioner William Fennoy, was approved by the Commission in 2020. The idea was to honor the community of caddies, many of whom lived in the Sand Hills neighborhood, who helped establish the traditions at Augusta National Golf Club. The result is the tee, which prominently features portraits of the caddies in the environs of the club. Leon Maben, vice president of public art at the Greater Augusta Arts Council, said the idea was to draw attention to a significant piece of history often overlooked.

“This monument brings that legacy into the light,” he said. “That’s where it belongs. Their strength continues to shine.”

For Otis ‘Buck’ Moore, a former Augusta National caddie, the recognition proved emotional – punctuation placed on a lifetime of dedication to not only the Augusta National, but also the game of golf. Speaking to the gathered crowd, he said that being caddie and, more particularly, and Augusta National caddie, was all he wanted to do from the first time he crept up Rae’s Creek to see what was going on behind those fences.

“I told my friend that was what I wanted to do,” he said. “He asked me if I wanted to play golf, and I told him no. I want to carry that bag.”

Baruti Tucker, who confessed he had not been a golf fan prior to beginning the project, said engaging with the men who had worked hard, with dignity and purpose but often, without recognition, proved to be something of a spiritual experience. He said he found himself talking to them as he painted, finding real connection between their work and his own. He said, at times, it felt as though he were channeling them

“Yes, I had conversations with the people portrayed ed on the mural,” he said. “I heard them speaking. I heard them speaking and I smelled their smoke. I smelled their smoke, and I tasted their liquor.”

Former Commission Fennoy said it was both a comfort and joy to see the caddies of Sand Hills celebrated. He said the commemoration had been his last act as a commissioner and that it meant a lot to him that it passed with unanimous support. Seeing that idea made real under the warm April sun meant even more.

“If Sam Cooke were alive and with us today, I think he would say it’s been a long time coming,” he said. “It has. It’s been a long time coming.”