Just weeks after parting ways with Justin Thomas, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is returning to a familiar place: the broadcast booth. Mackay, a veteran figure in the golf world, will be back on NBC/Golf Channel full-time, as confirmed by network president Sam Flood.
Mackay’s re-entry into TV isn’t a total surprise for avid golf fans. Announced as part of the U.S. Open broadcast team at Pinehurst next week, his full-time return has been met with enthusiasm. Viewers have enjoyed his insights since his broadcast debut at the 2015 RSM Classic alongside fellow caddie John Wood.
Before joining NBC, Mackay spent 25 years as one of the most respected caddies on the PGA Tour, most notably with Phil Mickelson. Mackay and Mickelson’s partnership resulted in 41 PGA Tour wins, including five major championships. After their split in 2017, Mackay transitioned to full-time on-course reporting for NBC/Golf Channel, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Mackay briefly left the broadcasting world in 2021 when Justin Thomas hired him as a full-time caddie. ‘I love to caddie and I loved my role with NBC/Golf Channel, but it’s Justin Thomas,’ Mackay said back then. His time with Thomas was marked by a key victory at the 2022 PGA Championship, their only win together.
Despite his focus on caddying, Mackay kept his broadcasting skills sharp, covering events like the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. His role as a lead analyst at the Mexico Open at Vidanta in February made him the first active caddie to ever hold such a position.
In April, Mackay and Thomas decided to go their separate ways. ‘Television is my No. 1 priority and I’ll do what I did before — if someone is sick or between caddies and needs a guy for a week and it’s not an NBC event, then I’d be happy to help out,’ Mackay shared with Golfweek, emphasizing his commitment to broadcasting.
So, as Mackay gears up for his full-time return to television, golf fans can look forward to his expert analysis and colorful commentary on NBC/Golf Channel. While he remains open to occasional caddying gigs, his main focus will undoubtedly be on enhancing the viewing experience for golf enthusiasts.
Source: Golf
