Jim “Bones” Mackay is best known for providing 25-years of caddie advice and bag-toting service to Hall-of-Fame golfer, Phil Mickelson. He was so excited after Phil’s come-from-behind 2013 British Open win that he cried as many tears of joy as Mickelson himself. Spending 25 years carrying a heavy golf bag and providing critical details about the golf course to one of the smartest and go-for-broke golfers on tour can be both stressful and rewarding. It is very much like a marriage with the potential for plenty of ups and downs. It can also take a toll on a personal friendship.
Then came the news a few weeks ago that this quarter-century magical combination of complementary skills and personalities was ending. Both Mickelson and Mackay released their own “We are still friends” parting statements. The tandem of Mickelson and Bones had arguably become more famous than any other golf professional/caddie relationship in modern golf history.
And there have been many very good player/caddie teams. Jack Nicklaus won most of his 18 majors with the tall figure of Angelo Argea on the bag. Other famous duos include the 18-year caddie relationship of Gary Player and Alfred “Rabbit” Dyer, 17 years of Lee Trevino with Herman Mitchell on the bag, ten years of Nick Faldo and female trailblazer, Fanny Sunderson, and, of course, the 12-year “wouldn’t we like to know more” partnership of Tiger Woods and Steve Williams. There is also the 27-year player/caddie pairing of Tom Watson and caddie Bruce Edwards which tragically became more famous when Edwards contracted ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease and passed away in 2004.
Jim “Bones” Mackay even met his wife after Phil Mickelson’s spouse introduced them and helped set-up a date. Bones’ caddie job included providing an opinion and occasionally standing-up to a highly talented golfer who, with 41 PGA wins, has the ninth most victories in tour history. Not to mention being in charge of a golf bag which has much in common to that giant golf bag used by Rodney Daingerfield in the movie, Caddyshack.
A PGA tour golfer’s bag weighs up to 50 pounds, with clubs and gloves, a dozen golf balls, an umbrella, rain gear, drinks and snacks and first-aid items, such as bandages and pain relievers. When you carry a 50-pound bag for over four miles of hilly terrain nearly 7 days/week, the physical wear and tear can really take a toll on the caddie. As a result of years of faithful bag-toting service, Mackay had both of his knees replaced in October, 2016.
Today, Jim “Bones” Mackay announced that he has accepted a new role as an on-course golf announcer for Golf Channel. He should do a terrific job in providing a unique perspective at what the golfer can expect prior to his next shot. And, at age 51, I’m sure that Bones’ knees will be much happier trading-in that heavy golf bag for a much lighter wireless microphone. Best of luck, Bones!