Tour News

Breaking: Phil Mickelson and Jim “Bones” Mackay have officially split

Published

9 years ago

Jun 20, 2017

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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20 Comments

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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Deadeye

Jun 21, 2017 at 12:54 pm

My guess is a younger pro made Bones an offer he can’t refuse.

Reply Report comment
- @@!!!
  
  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.
  
  Reply Report comment
- 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?
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Bert

Jun 21, 2017 at 10:50 am

All things must change.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
rebfan73

Jun 21, 2017 at 7:23 am

“Focus please….” LOL!!!

Reply Report comment
Was

Jun 21, 2017 at 2:43 am

Sniff…. ;-(

Reply Report comment
DJ

Jun 20, 2017 at 7:01 pm

Bones issues tweet saying he wants to loop for Tiger next yr

Reply Report comment
- DrRob1963
  
  Jun 21, 2017 at 6:28 pm
  
  At least he’ll get plenty of time off!
  
  Reply Report comment
Rwj

Jun 20, 2017 at 6:15 pm

They were showing on 17 at Sawgrass. They can’t stand working together anymore

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Old Putter

Jun 20, 2017 at 5:50 pm

Is there a such thing as a mutual split?

Reply Report comment
- COGolfer
  
  Jun 20, 2017 at 8:38 pm
  
  It’s the same as a merger, there is always a primary and secondary.
  
  Reply Report comment
ooffa

Jun 20, 2017 at 4:12 pm

Well it’s not like he plays in the big events anymore.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment

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