The longest, and one of the most famous, player-caddie relationships in the history of the game has come to a surprising and sudden end after Phil Mickelson and Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay announced they were parting ways.
In a statement released on June 20, Mickelson said: “After 25 very rewarding and memorable years, Bones and I have mutually decided to end our player-caddie relationship. 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,” Mickelson said. “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.”
The pair had been together for 25 years, with Mackay carrying the bag on each of Mickelson’s 48 professional wins, including his five major triumphs. The 47-year-old left-handers last victory came at the Open Championship in 2013.
Mickelson who missed this month’s US Open to watch his daughter’s graduation from high school, missing out on an opportunity to become only the sixth player in history to win the career grand slam. Mackay actually turned up at Erin Hills on the off chance that there might be a weather delay and Mickelson could play after all, but those turned out to be Mackay’s final duties for Mickelson.
Mickelson’s brother, Tim, the former head coach at Arizona State University who is now Jon Rahm’s agent, will take over as caddie for the rest of the season.