Jim 'Bones' Mackay has one of golf's most decorated resumes. For 25 years, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay stood beside Phil Mickelson, helping shape one of golf’s most successful careers.

As an on-course reporter, Mackay now shares his unique insights on the game with viewers. But a recent revelation about his career mileage is even more staggering.

When asked on the Dan Patrick Show how many miles he might have walked on golf courses, Bones’ response surprised everyone.

Mackay recalled an incident: “A guy came up to me once at a tournament. I think I was at the uh the Open Championship and he had done some math around some what the caddies had done. He told me I'd walked around the globe twice with a golf bag on my back.”

“So my knees still hurt. So if that's any indication, I've walked a lot.”

Their partnership was considered a masterclass in communication and was frequently featured on TV.

In addition to the five majors, Mickelson and Mackay won 41 PGA Tour titles together and represented the U.S. in 22 straight team appearances across Ryder and Presidents Cups

Besides Mickelson, Mackay was a caddie for Larry Mize, Scott Simpson, Curtis Strange, and later worked with Justin Thomas. He was never just a “caddie,” but more of a trusted collaborator.

One of The Best Caddies

“It's amazing, you know, an incredibly special thing for me,” he said. “I love caddying. It's the greatest job in the world. It's been really good to me. I've been crazy lucky.”

“It just means a tremendous amount to be out here with someone… you know, all the guys I've caddied for, I'm grateful,” he added. “I've just had a great run out here as a caddie. I'm grateful for it,” he said after his partner Justin Thomas won the 2022 PGA Championship.

Mackay was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame for his contribution to enhancing the role of a caddie and building a legacy that benefits future caddies.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav