The Man Who Saw Everything: Lawrence Bennett's Long Drive Through Augusta's History

For over four decades, Bennett worked at Augusta National Golf Club, learning the secrets of power and prestige within the mythologized world of the Masters tournament.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lawrence Bennett, a 73-year-old Black man, spent over four decades working at Augusta National Golf Club, first following his father, a longtime caddie master, and later as a trusted chauffeur who drove famous and influential people around the club's grounds. Bennett saw the inner workings of the exclusive club and the power dynamics that defined it, all while navigating the racial realities of the time. Now retired, Bennett reflects on his unique experience and the lasting impact of his father's legacy.

Why it matters

This story provides a rare, insider's perspective on the history and culture of Augusta National Golf Club, one of the most prestigious and exclusive sporting venues in the world. Bennett's experience as a Black employee who had unparalleled access to the club's inner workings sheds light on the complex racial dynamics and power structures that have long defined the institution.

The details

Bennett started working at Augusta National at age 11, following in the footsteps of his father, Freddie Bennett, who was the caddie master at the club for decades. Lawrence Bennett later became a trusted chauffeur, driving famous and influential people around the club's grounds, learning the secrets of power and prestige within the mythologized world of the Masters tournament. He went on to manage the club's most cherished possessions - the green jackets worn by members and champions. Bennett's story offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of Augusta National and the racial realities that shaped his experience there.

  • Lawrence Bennett started working at Augusta National Golf Club at age 11.
  • Freddie Bennett, Lawrence's father, was the caddie master at Augusta National starting in the 1940s and became caddie master in 1953.
  • Clifford Roberts, the co-founder and longtime chairman of Augusta National, died in 1977 when Lawrence Bennett was 24 years old.
  • In 2012, a couple of green jackets went missing from the club, leading to an investigation that caused significant stress for Lawrence Bennett.
  • Lawrence Bennett retired from Augusta National in 2013 after over four decades of service.

The players

Lawrence Bennett

A 73-year-old Black man who worked at Augusta National Golf Club for over four decades, first following his father, a longtime caddie master, and later as a trusted chauffeur who drove famous and influential people around the club's grounds.

Freddie Bennett

Lawrence Bennett's father, who was the caddie master at Augusta National Golf Club for decades, starting in the 1940s and becoming caddie master in 1953.

Clifford Roberts

The co-founder and longtime chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, who was known for his rigid and exclusionary policies.

Jim Armstrong

A 35-year employee of Augusta National Golf Club who retired in 2013 as the executive director, and who gave a tribute at Freddie Bennett's funeral.

Michael Cooper

A former locker room manager at Augusta National Golf Club, who commented on Lawrence Bennett's dedication and professionalism.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Probably nobody on the planet knows more about Augusta National than me. I'm not bragging. I've just been around all my life. It was just my job to know.'”

— Lawrence Bennett

“'But his greatest accomplishment to Augusta National was that he gave us Lawrence.'”

— Jim Armstrong, Former Executive Director, Augusta National Golf Club

“'You've got to stay on your toes to work there as long as Lawrence did. You had to have a special dedication. Lawrence was always dressed properly. You never saw him out of uniform. He liked his clothes, his style. We just had a lot of fun, but you're always learning from him. He had a standard.'”

— Michael Cooper, Former Locker Room Manager, Augusta National Golf Club

What’s next

The story does not mention any clear future newsworthy moments, so this section is left blank.

The takeaway

This story provides a rare, intimate look at the inner workings of one of the most prestigious and exclusive sporting venues in the world, Augusta National Golf Club, through the eyes of a Black man who had unparalleled access and experience navigating the club's complex racial dynamics and power structures over the course of his 40-year career.