Is Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay Caddying Again for Phil Mickelson After His Split With Justin Thomas?

A lot seems to be changing before the onset of the 2024 Masters Tournament. Justin Thomas, for instance, has had a major bagman change as he seemingly “parted ways” with his caddie of 3 years, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay. However, the interesting timing of this event and its collision with Mackay’s former, longtime employer Phil Mickelson’s separation from his brother and caddie, Tim Mickelson, now have raised too many eyebrows.

Then again, a persistent question remains: Will Phil Mickelson reunite with his old caddie? Sadly, the answer to this is no. After a 3-year-long stint with Thomas, where they “accomplish[ed] together- the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, and the Ryder Cups,” Mackay seems to have already resorted to his formerly pursued career at NBC. Now in the capacity of an on-course reporter for NBC and Golf Channel, he was recently spotted in Augusta working as an on-course reporter for NBC at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur event.

But while Thomas and Mackay seem to be moving on to separate routes, who will accompany Phil Mickelson to the Augusta National Golf Club, if not his caddie of twenty-five years? As per recent revelations, this would be Jon Yarbrough, the veteran caddie of 20 years who has enlightened Scott Stallings from the sidelines for more than 10 years now, as well as insanely talented golfers like Gary Woodland, Bill Haas, Smylie Kaufman, Kelly Robbins, Morgan Pressel, Suzann Pettersen, and more over the years!

But why is a Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay and Phil Mickelson reunion not on the cards? Well, this was because the duo did not end on the best terms, their split was rooted in their disagreement over severely postponed unpaid bonuses, amounting to $900,000. Moreover, Mickelson’s habit of showing up late to the golf courses eventually led to dissatisfaction in his loyal caddie’s heart.

Phil Mickelson and Jon Yarbrough: a power duo?

Therefore, it remains improbable that even after his split from the 30-year-old, Mackay will reunite with his former employer, whom he cited as a serious reason for splitting in 2017. So, despite these allegations against him for not paying his employees, how did Mickelson manage to get Jon Yarbrough on board?

As per Golfweek, Mickelson offered the Atlanta native hefty sums of “guaranteed” money that made him bend towards him on making this decision. The duo was even spotted visiting the Masters’ venue to scout the course before the onset of the event, in hopes of beating the 53-year-old self-record of T2 with a total score of 8-under-par from last year’s edition of the event.

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In 2023, Mickelson finished tied with Brooks Koepka and behind the winner, Jon Rahm. While Mickelson’s partner of over two decades and five majors will not be there with him this year, against previously set expectations post-breakup with Thomas, it seems that along with Yarbrough, he too has his eyes set straight on the prize. The veteran caddie’s experience, combined with Lefty’s finesse, might prove handy in helping him achieve heights, right?

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