After split with Justin Thomas, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is back to broadcasting full-time
Longtime Tour caddie and popular broadcaster Jim “Bones” Mackay is set to return to full-time broadcast work with NBC/Golf Channel, as confirmed by network president Sam Flood during a recent media conference call. Mackay, who was already scheduled to be part of the broadcasting team for next week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst, is making a…
Longtime Tour caddie and popular broadcaster Jim “Bones” Mackay is set to return to full-time broadcast work with NBC/Golf Channel, as confirmed by network president Sam Flood during a recent media conference call. Mackay, who was already scheduled to be part of the broadcasting team for next week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst, is making a welcome comeback to the small screen. Golf fans have enjoyed his insightful commentary since his debut at the 2015 RSM Classic, where he worked alongside fellow caddie John Wood.
Before his stint in broadcasting, Mackay built a reputation as one of the top caddies on the PGA Tour, spending 25 years with Phil Mickelson. Their partnership led to Mickelson winning 41 PGA Tour events, including five major championships, before they parted ways in 2017. Mackay quickly transitioned to a role as an on-course reporter for NBC and Golf Channel. Though he briefly caddied for Justin Thomas on two occasions, he was hired full-time by Thomas in 2021.
Reflecting on his career choices, Mackay told Golf Channel, “I love to caddie and I loved my role with NBC/Golf Channel, but it’s Justin Thomas.” The highlight of their partnership was Thomas’ victory at the 2022 PGA Championship, their sole win together.
Despite his commitment to caddying for Thomas, Mackay maintained a presence in broadcasting, covering events like the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. Notably, at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, he made history as the first active caddie to serve as a lead analyst.
In April, Mackay and Thomas amicably parted ways, leading to another opportunity in television. Mackay, now 59, seems poised to focus on broadcasting, though he hasn’t ruled out occasional caddie work. He told Golfweek’s Adam Schupak, “Television is my No. 1 priority, and I’ll do what I did before — if someone is sick or between caddies and needs a guy for a week and it’s not an NBC event, then I’d be happy to help out. But beyond that, I will be doing TV primarily as far as what I do for a living.”
With his extensive experience and keen insights, Mackay’s return to full-time broadcasting is highly anticipated by fans and colleagues alike.