As the Masters Tournament prepares for its 89th edition, the focus extends beyond the fairways and greens of Augusta National. A compelling story has emerged—one that transcends the sport itself: the tale of Carl Jackson, the legendary caddie whose extraordinary journey is captured in Maryilene Blondell’s award-winning documentary, Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story.
For those familiar with golf history, Carl Jackson’s name is synonymous with Ben Crenshaw’s Masters victories in 1984 and 1995. However, Blondell’s film goes deeper, shifting Jackson from the sidelines to center stage.
Blondell, a Chicago-based filmmaker with a diverse background in TV news and social activism, discovered Jackson’s story through a chance encounter. What began as an effort to help Jackson escape an unfair Hollywood deal blossomed into a profound friendship. “It was kismet,” Blondell reflects—a bond that defied age, race, and geography.
Carl Jackson & Ben Crenshaw
Carl Jackson & Ben Crenshaw
Jackson’s story is one of resilience. Growing up in the impoverished Sand Hill community adjacent to Augusta National, he began caddying at age 11 to support his family of ten. At a time when all Augusta caddies were African American and donned the iconic white coveralls, Jackson learned the intricacies of the course under the guidance of Pappy Stokes.
His deep understanding of Augusta’s notoriously challenging greens led to a successful partnership with Ben Crenshaw. Beyond their two Masters victories, Jackson holds the record as the longest-serving caddie at Augusta National. He also spent 30 years working for Jack Stephens, the former chairman of Augusta National, who facilitated Jackson’s historic opportunity to become the first Black nonprofessional to play Augusta and stay in one of the club’s guest cabins.
“That’s how America ought to be,” Jackson, now 78, states in the film, encapsulating the essence of his journey.
Blondell’s transition into filmmaking was as unexpected as her friendship with Jackson. Initially hesitant, she ultimately honored his request to tell his story. “When Mr. Jackson tells you to do something, you do it,” she says.
Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story
The documentary’s production, fraught with the typical challenges of independent filmmaking, was made possible by the timely support of Chicago financier Paul Purcell. “There would not be a Rise Above without Paul Purcell. Period,” Blondell acknowledges.
Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story has earned critical acclaim, receiving 10 Official Selection awards at film festivals worldwide, including Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Cannes Indie International Film Festival. Now available on Apple TV+ and Prime Video, the film is reaching audiences far beyond the golf world.
Blondell attributes the film’s success to its universal message of kindness, humility, and love. “In a world that seems to be falling apart… I believed people needed a message of kindness, gentleness, humility, and love,” she says. “That is Mr. Jackson’s story, and I am humbled to have had the privilege of telling it.”
