Carl Jackson, the legendary Augusta National caddie who worked at a record 54 Masters, has said he no longer feels welcomed at the event after not being granted a credential for this week’s major, and does not plan to return.
Jackson appeared alongside his long-time employer, Ben Crenshaw, in Wednesday’s par-three tournament. The Augusta Chronicle reported Jackson was only able to gain entry to the venue with a ticket obtained by Crenshaw. Jackson, an Augusta native who now lives in Arkansas, says he has no plans to return to the Masters.
“I don’t feel welcomed here,” said the 76-year-old Jackson. “It feels like they want me to go, so that’s what I’ll do. You know, they can’t take my memories. It’s in my blood. The history, it’s in my blood.”
Jackson was employed by Augusta National as a caddie at the age of 14. He was on the bag for Crenshaw’s two Masters triumphs, in 1984 and 1995. His journey to this year’s tournament was interrupted by a car accident on the outskirts of Atlanta, causing injury to Jackson’s right arm.
“I’ve made 50 trips from other states since leaving Augusta,” he said. “Never had a flat tyre, broken pipe, anything.”
Augusta National has been approached for comment.
