AUGUSTA, Ga. — Fifty years ago, when Lee Elder broke barriers as the first Black golfer at the Masters, he preferred to keep his thoughts to himself.
`I`m not talking,` Elder told reporters on April 7, 1975. `Speaking only gets me in trouble.`
His wife and agent confirmed his stance, stating, `Lee believes this is the fairest approach. He`s here to play golf and desires privacy.`
However, Elder`s caddie, Henry J. Brown, a local taxi driver, was never one to shy away from speaking his mind. He confidently declared that if Elder didn`t perform well against golf giants like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Johnny Miller, it wouldn`t be due to his caddying.
`I`m the best,` Brown proclaimed. `I can navigate this course in reverse. I know every inch of it. Lee just needs to stay composed. I guarantee he won`t be out-caddied.`
While Elder`s participation was a landmark moment as the first Black golfer in the prestigious tournament at a historically exclusive club, it also shone a light on Henry Brown, a vibrant personality whose story remained largely untold for half a century.
`Henry Brown was quite a character and an excellent golfer,` recalled Dave Wilmes, who became friends with Brown in South Bend, Indiana, in the early 1980s. `He was a course wizard with an exceptional short game and loved to show off.`
Early Days and the Masters Opportunity
For the Masters` initial 40 years, participants were exclusively white, with Black caddies. By the early 1970s, Brown hoped Elder could change this. For four years, he had requested to caddie for Elder if he qualified for the Masters.
Elder`s victory at the Monsanto Open on April 21, 1974, where he defeated Peter Oosterhuis in a playoff, secured his Masters invitation. Shortly after, Masters chairman Clifford Roberts announced Elder`s invitation to the 1975 tournament.
Although Pete Brown and Charlie Sifford preceded Elder as Black PGA Tour winners, Elder was the first to qualify after the Masters altered its criteria to include Black golfers.
Upon Elder`s arrival at Augusta National, Brown was there to greet him. Despite his self-assurance, Brown wasn`t considered the top caddie at Augusta National. That recognition belonged to Willie Peterson, Willie `Pappy` Stokes, or Nathaniel `Iron Man` Avery. Yet, Brown had already witnessed a significant Masters moment.
In the 1968 Masters, Brown caddied for Roberto De Vicenzo, involved in a historic scorecard error that cost him the tournament. De Vicenzo mistakenly signed for a higher score, missing a playoff against Bob Goalby.
Years later, Brown mentioned to golf writer John Fineran that he attempted to confront Tommy Aaron, believing he was at fault for De Vicenzo`s error.
Brown later caddied for Goalby and Art Wall Jr., the 1959 Masters champion.
On April 10, 1975, at the Masters opening round, Elder was understandably nervous. He and Brown initially had a difference in caddying styles, with Brown preferring visual distance assessment over measured yardage.
Despite the initial jitters and differing approaches, Elder completed the first round with a 2-over 74. However, a second-round 78 led to him missing the cut.
Despite missing the cut, Brown recognized Elder`s professionalism, noting his composure under pressure.
De Vicenzo, when asked about Brown, praised him as a `fine caddie` and surprisingly admitted, `I think he can beat me` in golf.
Local Legend and U.S. Open Dreams
Ike `Stabber` Choice, a fellow Augusta National caddie, recalled Brown`s prowess at the local Augusta Municipal Golf Course, known as the Patch. Brown often played with other Black golfers, consistently winning against visiting players due to his deep knowledge of the course.
Brown, known for his cross-handed grip and ambidextrous play, frequented the Patch with other caddies like Tommy `Burnt Biscuits` Bennett, Jariah `Bubba` Beard, `Cigarette` Bobby Jones, and Jim Dent.
In 1980, while in jail, Brown reached out to the USGA, seeking a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open. Despite missing deadlines and unconventional requests, Brown`s determination was evident.
Robert Lee, an attorney involved with U.S. Open qualifiers, remembers Brown`s arrival at South Bend Country Club with his Augusta National caddie ID, declaring his intention to win the U.S. Open.
Golf Hustler and Lasting Impression
Brown used a salvage yard address in South Bend, where he often entertained workers with his golf skills and stories. He would perform trick shots, showcasing his talent and often winning small bets.
Known for his Slazenger irons and exceptional wedge game, Brown was a natural showman on the course.
In 1982, Brown successfully qualified for the U.S. Open sectional qualifier after overcoming a flat tire incident on the day of the local qualifier.
Despite advancing to sectional qualifying multiple times, he never reached the U.S. Open itself. However, his spirit remained unbroken.
Adamson from the USGA remembered Brown`s resilience and positive attitude, even after multiple rejections due to late entries.
Henry Brown passed away in 1992 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy that included his Masters experience and his colorful pursuit of golf dreams.
Jim Murray, in 1975, highlighted Brown`s life story, from a difficult childhood to his caddying career and unrealized potential, suggesting that with different circumstances, Brown`s life could have been remarkably different.
