Justin Thomas, a two-time major winner and former world number one, has announced his split from caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay ahead of the Masters at Augusta. Thomas began working with Mackay in 2021 and won his second major at the 2022 PGA Championship. However, 2023 proved to be one of the worst years of his career as he failed to win a PGA Tour title for the first time since 2015.
Thomas has had a better start to 2024 with four top-12 finishes in his opening five events, although he missed the cut at the recent Players Championship. Despite this, Thomas has not revealed who will be on his bag when the Masters begins on Thursday.
Mackay, who is 58 years old, is one of the most successful and recognisable caddies in the game, having had a successful 25-year partnership with five-time major champion Phil Mickelson which ended in 2017.
Thomas announced the split on social media, stating that it was “incredibly difficult” for him to say. He also expressed his gratitude for the things they were able to accomplish together, including the 2022 PGA Championship, the Presidents Cup, and the Ryder Cups.
Thomas did not reveal the reason for the split, but he praised Mackay’s wisdom on and off the course, stating that he was there for him every step of the way during a tough stretch of his career.
It remains to be seen who Thomas will choose as his new caddie for the Masters, but the split with Mackay marks a significant change for the American golfer.
