In a surprise move, Justin Thomas announced a week before the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday that he has parted ways with Jim “Bones” Mackay, considered one of the best caddies in the sport.
It's unclear who will be sitting on Thomas' bag in the first major championship of the season, which will be played April 11-14 at Augusta National Golf Club.
“It's incredibly difficult for me to say this, but Bones and I have separated,” Thomas wrote on social media. “I will forever be grateful for him joining me on the bag in 2021. The things we were able to accomplish together – the 2022 PGA Championship, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups, were all unforgettable experiences. His wisdom on and off the course was a blessing during a difficult period in my career and he was there for me every step of the way.
“I know there are great things ahead for both of us in the future. I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family as my friends.”
Justin Thomas announced on social media Wednesday that he was parting ways with caddy Jim “Bones” Mackay a week before the Masters. Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Mackay, who worked as a commentator for NBC Sports when Thomas wasn't playing, previously helped Phil Mickelson win five of his six major championships while caddying for him from 1992 to 2017.
Mackay jumped on Thomas' bag when his regular caddy, Jimmy Johnson, wasn't feeling well at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in July 2020. Thomas hired Mackay full-time in September 2021.
Mackay helped Thomas win his second major championship at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But the past two seasons have seen Thomas take a turn for the worse, missing the 2023 FedEx Cup playoffs and being a controversial captain's selection for the Ryder Cup in Rome.
This year, Thomas appeared to have turned things around as he posted three straight top-12 finishes before missing the cut at the Genesis Invitational and the Players Championship, two key events. He ranks fifth in strokes gained: approach (.795), but 169th in putting (-.674).
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