Willie Peterson
Inducted in 2000
Willie Peterson was a famed caddie at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA, who was on the bag for four of Jack Nicklaus’ five Masters victories.
A longtime caddie at Augusta National, Peterson first caddied in the Masters at the age of 16, and never caddied for the same player twice before being paired with Nicklaus in 1959. With Peterson on his bag, Nicklaus won The Masters in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972 and 1975. The two worked together until 1983 when Augusta National lifted its policy requiring players to use only Augusta National caddies. He died in 1999 at age 61.
For his work promoting the important role of caddies in the game of golf, Willie Peterson earned a place in the Caddie Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who support caddying.