Tour News
Breaking: Phil Mickelson and Jim “Bones” Mackay have officially split
One of the most famous player-caddie duos ever in the sport of golf is no longer.
In dual statements released on Twitter, Phil Mickelson and Jim “Bones” Mackay have mutually and officially split after 25 years together. Bones started looping for Mickelson in 1992, the same year Mickelson turned pro. Mickelson, now 47-years old, has since amassed five major championship victories and 49 professional victories and has competed in 11 Ryder Cup events.
According to Mickelson, there was not a “single incident” that has caused the split, but rather is simply “the right time for a change.” His brother Tim Mickelson will be on the bag throughout the remainder of the year, according to Mickelson’s statement.
Phil’s Statement
Here is Phil’s statement pic.twitter.com/EBgOQ9aHrx
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 20, 2017
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 knowledgable 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. My brother Tim will be on my bag for the rest of the year. Bones has not used his veto this year andI heard a rumor that he is trying to pass his veto to Tim. For the record, vetoes are non-transferable.Sincerely,
Phil
Bones’ Statement
Statement from Bones and Phil. They are parting ways after 25 years. pic.twitter.com/FVI3vSvIA9
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 20, 2017
After an amazing 25-year run, Phil and I have mutually decided to go our separate ways. Player-caddie relationships don’t often last that long. 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 so cool to have a front row seat.
I wish Phil nothing but the best. His game is still at an elite level, and when he wins in the future (definitely the Masters), I will be among the first to congratulate him.
I do want to say for the record that I did not use my “veto” this year. I would like to pass it along to Tim, in all its glory.Thank you Phil.
Sincerely,
Jim Bones Mackay
Twitter’s Reactions
Phil and Bones were as beloved as they were successful, so it’s natural that Twitter has reacted with nostalgia and disappointment.
Phil and Bones: 1992 – 2017 pic.twitter.com/tOeEqaT3Sy
— Skratch (@Skratch) June 20, 2017
me rn pic.twitter.com/JZl6QgS7Ya
— Brendan Porath (@BrendanPorath) June 20, 2017
#FirstGifComesUpToDescribePhilAndBonesBreakingUp pic.twitter.com/5oYs626eGS
— Rob (@robmillertime) June 20, 2017
Phil and Bones have officially split.
It doesn’t get any better than this exchange from 2012. pic.twitter.com/zll38kLHsh
— Skratch (@Skratch) June 20, 2017
I’m so, so sad right now.
— Chad Coleman (@HashtagChad) June 20, 2017
Bones: I like driver, fly that bunker, wedge in.
Phil: I like the Jets-Ravens-Titans parlay.
Bones: Focus please. pic.twitter.com/yboVHzLBpw— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) June 30, 2015
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SH
Jun 21, 2017 at 11:39 pm
What’s hilarious is that you think you’re funny when you’re anything but. But the one thing you’ve got right is that yes, you are just a peon.
Dave R
Jun 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm
There is always a reason for a split. It’s to bad but probably best for [bones] he can start a new place in his life . Man 25 years with the same guy packin that bag it has to take a toll.
Deadeye
Jun 21, 2017 at 12:54 pm
My guess is a younger pro made Bones an offer he can’t refuse.
@@!!!
Jun 21, 2017 at 11:56 pm
Man….I can;t really put my finger on it, but it’s slightly sad seeing these 2 split. Again I can’t put my finger on why, but I guess just cuz if you think one, you think of the other.
Regardless wish them both well.
Side note, I loved the Phil/Feherity episode where Phil broke down all small dewhat he/they thought for per shot.
George Hanson
Jun 23, 2017 at 1:02 am
Which young pro did you have in mind? Phil makes $50 million per year and flies the largest Gulfstream everywhere he (and Bones) goes — you really think your young pro has the buying power to overcome that?
Jack Nash
Jun 21, 2017 at 11:03 am
A great combo over the years. Who knows the reasoning but I felt for Bones lugging the bag mere months after double knee replacement. Could have been he put in more steps chasing Phils ball 😉 and would like to change things up, maybe even some rest to get his legs under him. Heard a possibility is Maverick Maneely. In the end doubtful you’ll see a caddied golfer relationship Go that long.
Bert
Jun 21, 2017 at 10:50 am
All things must change.
Jam
Jun 21, 2017 at 10:29 am
Rory needs to hire this man ASAP! He needs someone who’s assertive and can help him on the greens. I’m so sick of watching Rory hit a shot or putt and then look up at JP with complete bewilderment.
Tom54
Jun 21, 2017 at 9:21 am
My guess is something may have come out of Phil skipping this years us open. Hard to believe this late in his career he would make a change. Oh well best of luck to both of them.
rebfan73
Jun 21, 2017 at 7:23 am
“Focus please….” LOL!!!
Was
Jun 21, 2017 at 2:43 am
Sniff…. ;-(
DJ
Jun 20, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Bones issues tweet saying he wants to loop for Tiger next yr
DrRob1963
Jun 21, 2017 at 6:28 pm
At least he’ll get plenty of time off!
Rwj
Jun 20, 2017 at 6:15 pm
They were showing on 17 at Sawgrass. They can’t stand working together anymore
JJJ
Jun 21, 2017 at 3:30 pm
That’s my lasting memory of Phil and Bones. After Phil dunked one in the water and they walk to the drop zone, Bones is saying something about the wind or whatever and Phil goes “I NEED NUMBERS!!!” in such an angry tone. It was classic.
Shallowface
Jun 20, 2017 at 6:14 pm
The fact that Bones put up with FIGJAM for 25 years should make him an automatic candidate for Sainthood.
Old Putter
Jun 20, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Is there a such thing as a mutual split?
COGolfer
Jun 20, 2017 at 8:38 pm
It’s the same as a merger, there is always a primary and secondary.
ooffa
Jun 20, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Well it’s not like he plays in the big events anymore.
stephenf
Jun 22, 2017 at 1:09 pm
Yeah, it _is_ like he plays in the big events. It’s also like he has priorities straight. Also like he knows what kinds of events in his life will be repeated, and which ones won’t.