Fansided

Phil Mickelson, ‘Bones’ Mackay part ways after 25 years

By Brad Berreman

May 26, 2017; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Phil Mickelson gets direction from his caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay before teeing off on the 9th hole during the second round of the Dean & Deluca Invitational golf tournament at Colonial Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2017; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Phil Mickelson gets direction from his caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay before teeing off on the 9th hole during the second round of the Dean & Deluca Invitational golf tournament at Colonial Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a relationship that has lasted longer than some marriages, Phil Mickelson and his long-time caddie will no longer work together.

Pro golfers will often cite two relationships as the most important to their career — a wife or significant other and their caddie. Phil Mickelson and Jim Mackay, known affectionately as “Bones”, have been together as player and caddie for 25 years. That length of time is obviously rare, if not unprecedented on the PGA Tour, but the two have decided to part ways.

Mickelson has won 41 of his 42 tour titles with Mackay on his bag, including all five of his major championships. “Bones” was at Erin Hills scouting the course for last week’s U.S. Open, on the faint possibility Mickelson could make it to Wisconsin for Thursday’s first round after attending his daughter’s high school graduation. Mickelson needed a weather delay that did not come, and withdrew prior to the start of the tournament.

The two men released separate statements on Tuesday.

"“After 25 very rewarding and memorable years, Bones and I have mutually decided to end our player-caddie relationship.” Mickelson said. “Our decision is not based on a single incident. We just feel it’s the right time for a change."

"“Bones is one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated caddies in the world. He is always prepared and has the ability to make decisions in pressure packed situations. Bones is without a doubt one of the most thoughtful people that I have ever known. The next player to work with him will obviously be very lucky."

"“My relationship and history with Bones far exceeds golf. He has been one of the most important and special people in my life since the day we met and I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me. Amy and I, and our children, will always think of Bones, Jen, Oliver, and Emma as family.We are looking forward to sharing life and friendship with them forever.”"

"“Player-caddie relationships don’t often last that long,” Mackay said. “I will always be grateful that I was around to witness so much of Phil’s career. When Phil hired me in 1992, I had one dream: to caddie in a Ryder Cup. Last year, at Hazeltine, Phil played in his 11th straight Ryder Cup. It was cool to have a front-row seat.”"

Phil’s younger brother Tim, the former golf coach at Arizona State and current agent for tour pro Jon Rahm, will take over caddie duties from Mackay. When Mackay fell ill at the WGC-Mexico Championship earlier this year, the younger Mickelson filled in as caddie for a day.

Next: 5 things we learned from the 2017 U.S. Open

Mickelson and Mackay often had candid exchanges on club and shot selection, which television regularly captured. Mackay had the ability to veto one of Mickelson’s decisions each year, and has apparently not used it for 2017 yet. On that topic, Mickelson said the veto is “nontransferable” now that his brother will be his caddie.

Home/PGA Tour