Tour News
Breaking: Phil Mickelson and Jim “Bones” Mackay have officially split
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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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Players Championship
On the heels of Scottie Scheffler’s dominant victory at Bay Hill, the PGA Tour heads a little farther north in Florida to TPC Sawgrass this week for The Players Championship. And of course, GolfWRX is on site to get a look at what the players are playing.
We’ve already spotted a new Titleist mini driver this week, and there’s plenty more.
Check out our photos below!
Pullout Albums
- New Titleist 2 wood – 2024 The Players Championship
- Cam Young testing Titleist’s new 2-wood – 2024 THE PLAYERS Championship
- Hole Nos. 17 and 18 – 2024 THE PLAYERS Championship
- Toulon Small Batch Texas putter – 2024 The Players Championship
- Swag Golf custom headcovers – 2024 The Players Championship
- New Ping PLD staff bags – 2024 The Players Championship
- SuperStroke St. Patrick’s Day putter grip – 2024 The Players Championship
- Taylor Montgomery using PuttView X training goggles – 2024 The Players Championship
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
GolfWRX is on the ground in Orlando ahead of the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
We’re assembling our usual collection of WITB photos, general galleries, and of course, gear inspired by the King himself.
We’ll continue to add to the photos below as more flow in from Florida.
General Albums
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Monday #1
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Monday #2
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Monday #3
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #2
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #1 (thanks, bvmagic!)
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #3 (bvmagic)
- 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #2 (bvmagic)
WITB Albums
- Matt (LFG) Every – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Sahith Theegala – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Scottie Scheffler – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Luke List – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Adam Schenk – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Taylor Moore – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- David Ford – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Pullout Albums
- New Cameron putters (and new “LD” grip) – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- New Bettinardi MB & CB irons – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Custom Bettinardi API putter cover – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Custom Swag API covers – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- New PXG putters – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Scottie Scheffler putter change – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Sepp Straka – shaft change to new Ventus blue – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Rickie Fowler’s new Cobra Darkspeed X driver and Denali shaft (and Radspeed 3-wood) – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Justin Rose testing Srixon Z Forged II irons – 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Cognizant Classic
GolfWRX is on site this week at the Cognizant Classic —FKA the Honda Classic.
The first leg of the PGA Tour’s traditional “Florida swing,” the Cognizant Classic continues to be contested at PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, host course of the 1983 Ryder Cup and 1987 PGA Championship. The course is known for its famed “Bear Trap,” a three-hole stretch of holes that take their name from Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus, who redesigned the course in 2002.
The Bear Trap includes No. 15 (a par 3), No. 16 (a par 4), and No. 17 (a par 4). All three holes involve water and have led to several big numbers from Tour players over the years.
Check out an assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums below.
We’ll continue to update the galleries as more photos flow in from Florida!
General Albums
- 2024 Cognizant Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Cognizant Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Cognizant Classic – Monday #3
- 2024 Cognizant Classic – Monday #4
- 2024 Cognizant Classic – Tuesday #1
WITB Albums
- Brandt Snedeker – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Max Greyserman – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Eric Cole – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Carl Yuan – WITb – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Russell Henley – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Justin Suh – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Alex Noren – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Shane Lowry – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Taylor Montgomery – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) – WITB – – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Sam Ryder – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Maverick McNealy – WITB – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Tua Tagovailoa mini WITB (NFL QB, Miami Dolphins) – 2024 Cognizant Classic
Pullout Albums
- New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- LA Golf new insert putter – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- New Swag covers – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Jacob Bridgeman’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Bud Cauley’s custom Cameron putters – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Ryo Hisatsune’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Chris Kirk – new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters
- Alejandro Tosti’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Cognizant Classic
- Joohyung Tom Kim’s “new” center-shafted Scotty Cameron putter – 2024 Cognizant Classic
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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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.
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.
Deadeye
Jun 21, 2017 at 12:54 pm
My guess is a younger pro made Bones an offer he can’t refuse.
@@!!!
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.
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?
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.
Bert
Jun 21, 2017 at 10:50 am
All things must change.
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.
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.
rebfan73
Jun 21, 2017 at 7:23 am
“Focus please….” LOL!!!
Was
Jun 21, 2017 at 2:43 am
Sniff…. ;-(
DJ
Jun 20, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Bones issues tweet saying he wants to loop for Tiger next yr
DrRob1963
Jun 21, 2017 at 6:28 pm
At least he’ll get plenty of time off!
Rwj
Jun 20, 2017 at 6:15 pm
They were showing on 17 at Sawgrass. They can’t stand working together anymore
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.
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.
Old Putter
Jun 20, 2017 at 5:50 pm
Is there a such thing as a mutual split?
COGolfer
Jun 20, 2017 at 8:38 pm
It’s the same as a merger, there is always a primary and secondary.
ooffa
Jun 20, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Well it’s not like he plays in the big events anymore.
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.