William 'Pappy' Stokes

 

Inducted in 2006

Known to many as the “Grandfather of Caddies” at famed Augusta National Golf Club, William “Pappy” Stokes was a longtime caddie at the club and is the only caddie ever to log five Masters wins with four different players.

A native of Augusta, GA, Stokes was born and raised on the parcel of land that later became Augusta National. Stokes worked at the club for much of his life, leaving only to serve for four years in the U.S. Military. Stokes is the youngest caddie ever to be on the bag for a Masters victory, a distinction he earned working alongside Henry Picard in 1938. He went on to win four more times in 1948 with Claude Harmon, in 1951 and 1953 with Ben Hogan, and 1956 with Jack Burke, Jr. Stokes died in 2006 at age 86.

For his work promoting the important role of caddies in the game of golf, Pappy Stokes earned a place in the Caddie Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who support caddying.