It’s the end of an era. On Tuesday, Phil Mickelson and Jim “Bones” Mackay both announced their 25-year partnership is officially over, stating that they’ve “mutually decided” to go their separate ways.
Bones first picked up Phil’s bag back in 1992 at the U.S. Open sectional qualifier and never put it down. Together they won 41 PGA Tour events (Phil has 42 total), including five majors, making them one of the most dynamic duos in the history of the game.
“Player-caddie relationships don’t often last that long,” Mackay wrote in his statement. “I wish Phil nothing but the best. His game is still at an elite level, and when he wins in the future (definitely the Masters), I will be among the first to congratulate him.”
Lefty missed his first U.S. Open since 1993 this past week at Erin Hills, however, Bones was on the grounds doing his due diligence surveying the land just in case his boss showed up. As it turns out, that was his last assignment.
“Our decision is not based on a single incident. We just feel it’s the right time for a change,” Mickelson wrote. “My relationship and history with Bones far exceed golf. He has been one of the most important and special people in my life since the day we met and I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me.”
After a quarter-century of working together, Phil Mickelson and Jim “Bones” Mackay have reached the mutual decision to go separate ways. pic.twitter.com/Wz9649KlUg
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelESPN) June 20, 2017
Mickelson confirmed his caddie for the remainder of the season will be his brother Tim, who currently is PGA Tour rookie Jon Rahm’s agent.
Here’s a look at their final stats:
Cheers to a great, 25-year run! #PhilAndBones ?? pic.twitter.com/ZVcnL8uhdl
— KPMG Mickelson (@MickelsonHat) June 21, 2017
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