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Jim Bones Mackay is an American golf caddie and golf commentator. He joined NBC Sports in 2017 as an on-course reporter and left in 2021 to become a full-time caddie for Justin Thomas. However, Thomas and Mackay parted ways in March 2024. Mackay then returned to NBC Sports in June 2024, signing a multi-year deal to become an on-course announcer once again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Jim "Bones" Mackay |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1965 |
| Birth Place | Redhill, Surrey, England |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Golf caddie, golf commentator |
| Channels | NBC, Golf Channel |
| Coverage | US Open, Augusta National Women's Amateur, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship |
| Notable Partnerships | Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas |
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What You'll Learn
Jim 'Bones' Mackay returns to NBC Sports as an announcer
Popular golf caddie and commentator Jim "Bones" Mackay is returning to television on a full-time basis with NBC Sports. Mackay, who is one of the most popular and respected caddies in the sport, first joined NBC in 2017 as an on-course reporter. He has occasionally filled the role during Thomas' off weeks.
Mackay will return to the broadcast booth for NBC Sports/Golf Channel's coverage of the US Open. Sam Flood, the executive producer of NBC Sports and president of production, confirmed that Mackay is back working with the company full-time. “He will be part of NBC Sports for years to come as we’re going to partner for a long time with him,” Flood said via Golfweek.
Mackay, who was born in Redhill, Surrey, England, and moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, as a child, played golf for Columbus College in Georgia. He then worked in the pro shop and bag room at Columbus' Green Island Country Club, where he met and began to caddie for Larry Mize, Scott Simpson, and Curtis Strange. Mackay later caddied for Phil Mickelson for 25 years before the duo's split in 2017.
Almost immediately after splitting with Mickelson, Mackay was hired as a full-time on-course reporter for NBC and Golf Channel. He linked up with Justin Thomas in 2021, winning the 2022 PGA Championship together, while still occasionally working in TV. On the eve of this year’s Masters, Thomas announced that he was parting ways with Mackay. Mackay said that television would be his main focus going forward, but he left the door open for potential caddying duties in the future.
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Mackay signs a multi-year deal with NBC
Jim "Bones" Mackay, the longtime caddie of golfer Phil Mickelson, has signed a multi-year deal with NBC Sports to return as an on-course announcer. This marks a return to broadcasting for Mackay, who previously worked with NBC from 2017 to 2021.
Known by his nickname "Bones," Mackay is one of the most popular caddies in golfing history and has worked with Mickelson for over 25 years. During their partnership, Mackay was on the bag for 41 of Mickelson's 42 PGA Tour victories, including five major championships. In 2017, the duo mutually parted ways, and Mackay transitioned into a media role, joining NBC as a full-time on-course reporter and commentator.
After his initial stint with NBC, Mackay returned to caddying in 2021, working with Justin Thomas. The pair found success, winning the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills. However, in March 2024, Mackay and Thomas decided to part ways. Mackay now returns to broadcasting with NBC, covering multiple tournaments, including the US Open and the British Open.
Mackay's new role with NBC is a full-time position, and he is locked into his new role, suggesting a long-term commitment to broadcasting. This decision comes as NBC aims to enhance its golf coverage, providing fans with extended live footage and deeper insights into the game. Mackay's extensive experience as a caddie and his unique perspective will undoubtedly enrich the viewing experience for golf enthusiasts.
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Mackay's history as a golf caddie
Jim "Bones" Mackay is an American golf caddie and commentator. He was born on May 8, 1965, in Redhill, Surrey, England, and moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, at age seven. Mackay's career in golf began at Columbus College in Georgia, where he worked in the pro shop and bag room at Columbus' Green Island Country Club. There, he met and began to caddie for Larry Mize, and later Scott Simpson and Curtis Strange.
In 1990, PGA Tour player Fred Couples couldn't remember Mackay's name and, referring to his lanky physique, nicknamed him "Bones". Mackay's big break came in 1992 when he was hired by Phil Mickelson at the start of the golfer's professional career. Their partnership would span 25 years and see numerous victories, including five major championships: the 2004 Masters, the 2005 PGA Championship, the 2006 Masters, the 2010 Masters, and the 2013 Open Championship.
In June 2017, Mackay and Mickelson parted ways, with Mackay citing long-simmering grievances, including Mickelson's disregard for his advice and failure to pay caddie bonuses. Almost immediately after, Mackay was hired as a full-time on-course reporter and commentator for NBC and the Golf Channel. In 2021, Mackay returned to caddying, partnering with Justin Thomas, with whom he won the 2022 PGA Championship. However, in March 2024, Mackay stepped away from caddying once more to return to broadcasting full-time for NBC.
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His transition from caddying to broadcasting
Jim "Bones" Mackay is an American golf caddie and golf commentator. He was born on May 8, 1965, in Redhill, Surrey, England, and his family moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida when he was seven years old. Mackay played golf for Columbus College in Georgia before working in the pro shop and bag room at Columbus' Green Island Country Club.
Mackay's career as a caddie began at Columbus' Green Island Country Club, where he met and began to caddie for Larry Mize, and later Scott Simpson and Curtis Strange. In 1992, at the start of Phil Mickelson's PGA career, Mackay was hired as his caddie. He spent 25 years as Mickelson's caddie, during which Mickelson won 41 PGA Tour tournaments, including five major championships.
In June 2017, Mackay and Mickelson mutually parted ways, and Mackay joined NBC/Golf Channel as a full-time on-course reporter and commentator. He made his broadcast debut that year at the 2015 RSM Classic alongside fellow caddie John Wood. Mackay quickly became one of the best in his new role, providing insightful commentary and analysis.
In September 2021, Mackay decided to return to caddying full-time for Justin Thomas, with whom he won the 2022 PGA Championship. During his time with Thomas, Mackay continued to work in broadcasting when his schedule allowed. In March 2024, Mackay and Thomas parted ways, and Mackay returned to broadcasting full-time for NBC/Golf Channel. He will be covering multiple tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the British Open, and all FedEx Cup Playoff events.
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Mackay's first broadcasting role at the 2015 RSM Classic
Jim "Bones" Mackay is an American golf caddie and golf commentator. He was born on May 8, 1965, in Redhill, Surrey, England, and his family moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida when he was seven years old. Mackay played golf for Columbus College in Georgia and later worked in the pro shop and bag room at Columbus' Green Island Country Club. He met and began to caddie for Larry Mize, Scott Simpson, and Curtis Strange before being hired by Phil Mickelson in 1992 at the start of the golfer's PGA career.
Mackay's first broadcasting role was at the 2015 RSM Classic. The RSM Classic is an annual golf tournament that takes place each November in Georgia's Golden Isles. The event includes golf outings, clay target shooting, and social activities. It also features daytime activities, entertainment in the evenings, and influential charity events.
Mackay's broadcasting debut was alongside fellow caddie John Wood. He joined NBC/Golf Channel in 2017 as a commentator after spending 25 years as Mickelson's caddie. Mackay and Mickelson parted ways in 2017, and Mackay became a full-time on-course reporter for NBC and the Golf Channel. He then returned to caddying in 2021 for Justin Thomas, with whom he won the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills.
In 2024, Mackay signed a multi-year deal with NBC Sports to return as an on-course announcer. He will cover multiple tournaments, including the US Open, the British Open, all FedEx Cup Playoff events, and the PNC Championship. Mackay has stated that he is happy with this new role and that it would take an extreme circumstance for him to return to caddying.
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Frequently asked questions
Jim 'Bones' Mackay is an American golf caddie and golf commentator.
Jim 'Bones' Mackay is returning to full-time TV duties at NBC/Golf Channel, starting at the U.S. Open.
Jim 'Bones' Mackay joined NBC Sports in 2017 as an on-course reporter for the network's PGA TOUR live tournament coverage.
Jim 'Bones' Mackay serves as an on-course reporter for select events, including the Augusta National Women's Amateur and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
His nickname, "Bones", was created in 1990 when PGA Tour player Fred Couples couldn't remember his name.
