Butch Harmon, Tiger Woods’ former golf coach, expressed his surprise at Justin Thomas’ unexpected decision to part ways with legendary caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay just a week before the 2024 Masters tournament. Thomas, 30, and Mackay, 58, had been a successful duo since 2020, securing notable victories together, including two major championships. Despite their tight-lipped stance on the separation, Thomas acknowledged their achievements in a statement, citing unforgettable experiences at events like the PGA Championship in 2022 and various team competitions.
Harmon, speaking to GolfMagic, described the timing of the split as “very unusual,” particularly considering the proximity to a major championship. He revealed exchanging messages with Mackay but received no clear explanation for the split. Harmon emphasized Mackay’s pedigree as one of the game’s best caddies, having worked with Phil Mickelson for 25 years and enjoying success with Thomas.
The decision to bring in a new caddie, Matt Minister, for the Masters raised eyebrows, especially given Minister’s previous association with Patrick Cantlay, who won the 2021 Tour Championship. Cantlay, now paired with Woods’s former caddie Joe LaCava, adds another layer of intrigue to the mix. Despite Thomas’ impressive record, currently ranked 28th in the world with 15 PGA Tour victories and two major titles, all eyes are on world number one Scottie Scheffler as the frontrunner for the 2024 Masters. The golfing world eagerly awaits further developments in this unexpected shake-up.