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Mark Schlabach, ESPN Senior Writer
In a stunning move that comes the week before the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Justin Thomas announced Wednesday that he has parted ways with Jim “Bones” Mackay, who is regarded as one of the best caddies in the sport.
It is unclear who will be on Thomas’ bag at the first major championship of the season, which will be played April 11-14 at Augusta National Golf Club.
“While incredibly difficult for me to say, Bones and I have parted ways,” Thomas wrote on social media. “I’m going to be forever thankful for him joining me on the bag in 2021. The things we’ve been able to accomplish together — the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups were all unforgettable experiences. His wisdom on and off the course has been a blessing during a tough stretch of my career and he was there every step of the way.
“I know there are great things coming for both of us down the road. I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family amongst my friends.”
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 caddie, 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 it has been an uphill climb the past two seasons for Thomas, who missed the 2023 FedEx Cup playoffs and was a controversial captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup in Rome.
This year, Thomas seemed to turn a corner when he had three straight top-12 finishes before missing the cut at the Genesis Invitational and Players Championship, two signature events. He ranks fifth in strokes gained: approach (.795) but 169th in putting (-.674).