Phil Mickelson and caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay have decided to part ways — one of the more unexpected and stunning splits in recent golf history. Superstar golfers tend to go through multiple caddies over the course of a career, and non-superstar golfers can go through multiple caddies in the course of a season. But a Phil and Bones divorce never seemed remotely possible.
Bones had been on Phil’s bag since early 1993, looping for the Hall of Famer essentially from the start of his professional career. He’s been there for all five majors and all but one of Phil’s 42 PGA Tour wins. The two were thought to have an unbreakable working relationship. They seemed destined to ride it out together until the end.
Just last week, Bones flew to Wisconsin to scout Erin Hills over the course of a few days even with the chance of Phil playing in the U.S. Open unlikely. He walked the course taking notes and hung around until it became 100 percent certain that Mickelson would have to withdraw. There was little sign of discord or a possible separation.
But Bones issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon announcing the separation.
Statement from Bones and Phil. They are parting ways after 25 years. pic.twitter.com/FVI3vSvIA9
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 20, 2017
Bones’ statement alludes to “Tim” — Phil’s brother, who filled in this spring when Bones was too ill to loop in Mexico. That could be the replacement for either the long term or short term — an important stretch in the middle of the season with two majors coming quickly.
Update: Here is Phil’s statement, which echoes the “mutual decision” sentiment of Bones.
BREAKING: Phil Mickelson and Bones Mackay have decided to go separate ways . pic.twitter.com/ur5VIpRQdX
— GOLF.com (@golf_com) June 20, 2017
Beyond the success, the relationship became one of the most entertaining in golf. The regular Phil-Bones strategy sessions and debates picked up by a broadcast microphone were some of the most enjoyable reasons to watch golf.
While many player-caddies relationships can get testy on the course, Phil and Bones never got edgy with one another. Bones infamously held “veto power” — the ability to go beyond arguing and debating and put his foot down once per year to simply prevent Phil from attempting a crazy shot.
Bones’ wife was introduced to him by the Mickelsons. The two had offseason surgeries on the same day, working to get back onto the course on the same time frame. Phil repeatedly professed his love for Bones’ work and the relationship they had. And Bones obviously reciprocated the love, recently and most notably when he broke down walking off the 18th green at the 2013 Open Championship. It was Phil who had to grab Bones, who was overcome after watching his guy play the round of his career to win it at Muirfield.
That Muirfield win remains Phil’s last, an almost four-year drought that is the longest of his career. Mickelson has been close repeatedly during that stretch, including in a record-setting second-place finish at that absurd duel in last year’s Open. But he’s been unable to close — a hard-to-believe nugget that is often tossed out is that Tiger Woods has won on the PGA Tour more recently than Mickelson.
Even with the winless streak, the relationship seemed as strong as ever. Phil has gone through swing coaches, changing from Butch Harmon to Andrew Getson in late 2015. But Bones on the bag seemed like it would be the one constant until the end of Phil’s career. It seemed like one of the few constants and certainties in the game. We’re reeling!