Nathaniel "Iron Man" Avery

Inducted in 2026

Nathaniel “Iron Man” Avery was posthumously inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame on Friday, May 15, in recognition of his long and successful caddie career.

Avery was inducted during a reception at The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History in Augusta, Georgia, as part of the museum’s annual golf tournament celebration. His great-grandnephew, William Avery Jr., accepted the honor on his behalf.

“We are honored to induct Nathaniel “Iron Man” Avery into the Caddie Hall of Fame,” said Jeff Harrison, senior advisor at the Western Golf Association, which administers the Caddie Hall of Fame. “He helped put the spotlight on caddies during his career – most notably for his work alongside Arnold Palmer – and it’s only fitting to honor his tremendous impact on caddying here in Augusta where it all began.”

A native of Augusta, Avery caddied as a young man at Augusta National Golf Club. He began caddying for Arnold Palmer at his Masters debut in 1955 and continued through the 1960s. In that span, Avery put the role of caddies in the media spotlight, and his player-caddie dynamic with Palmer led to four Masters victories in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964. 

“My uncle passed away when I was young, so I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him,” said William Avery Jr. “If I could speak with him today, I would want to say, ‘Thank you for your legacy. Although you’re gone, your influence will be felt for years to come.’ I hope that his spirit will inspire generations of caddies and golfers alike.”