Justin Thomas splits with caddie ‘Bones’ Mackay a week before the Masters

Duo joined forces in 2021 after ‘Bones’ spent 25 years with Phil Mickelson

Justin Thomas of the United States talks with caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay. Photograph: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty
Justin Thomas of the United States talks with caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay. Photograph: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

Justin Thomas and Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay have parted ways a week before the Masters, the player announced on social media.

The duo joined forces in September 2021, after Mackay spent 25 years as Phil Mickelson’s caddie, and ‘Bones’ helped Thomas win the PGA Championship in 2022.

“While incredibly difficult for me to say, Bones and I have parted ways,” Thomas wrote in a social media post. “I’m going to be forever thankful for him joining me on the bag in 2021. The things we’ve been able to accomplish together – The PGA Championship in 2022, The Presidents Cup, The Ryder Cups were all unforgettable experiences. His wisdom on and off the course has been a blessing during a tough stretch of my career and he was there every step of the way.”

Thomas had the worst season of his career in 2023, missing the FedExCup Playoffs for the first time and it was his first season without a win since 2014-15.

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“I know there are great things coming for both of us down the road,” Thomas said of Mackay. “I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family amongst my friends.”

Thomas did not name a replacement for Mackay, but Golf Channel have reported Matt Minister, a former caddie of Patrick Cantlay, will be on duty for the Masters.

David Gorman

David Gorman

David Gorman is a sports journalist with The Irish Times