Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay has returned to broadcasting full time

Longtime Tour caddy and popular broadcaster Jim “Bones” Mackay is returning to the small screen for a full-time broadcast job for NBC/Golf Channel, network president Sam Flood confirmed in a press conference call.

While Mackay was announced as part of the broadcast team for next week’s US Open at Pinehurst, his full return is welcome news to golf fans, who have enjoyed his insight since he began broadcasting at the 2015 RSM Classic, along with his partner John Wood.

Before working for NBC, Mackay made a name for himself as one of the top players on Tour, spending 25 years on Phil Mickelson’s wallet before the pair parted ways in 2017. Mackay.

Shortly after breaking up with Mickelson, Mackay was hired as a full-time reporter for NBC and the Golf Channel. He served as Justin Thomas’ fill-in caddy for two seasons before Thomas hired him full-time in 2021.

“I love to caddy and I love my role with NBC/Golf Channel, but it’s Justin Thomas,” Mackay told Golf Channel at the time.

Mackay’s partnership with Thomas was highlighted by Thomas’ victory in the 2022 PGA Championship – the only win for both of them.

Mackay has been a force to be reckoned with in the broadcast waters during his tenure with Thomas, working tournaments such as the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. In February, at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, Mackay became the first active player to ever serve as the lead commentator.

In April, Thomas and Mackay broke up, and it wasn’t long before the TV hit again. Does this mean Mackay, now 59, is hanging up his hat for good?

“Television is my No. 1 priority and I’ll do what I used to do — if somebody’s sick or caddies and needs a guy for a week and it’s not an NBC event, I’d be happy to help,” Mackay said. Golfweek’s Adam Schupak. “But beyond that I will be doing TV mainly for my living.”

Golf.com Editor

As a four-year member of Columbia’s first varsity golf class, Jessica knows how to outrun everyone on the golf course. He can pass them through the office, too, where he is primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s first Style Issue, which began in February 2018. His first interview series, “A Round With,” released in November 2015, and appeared in both magazine and video form on GOLF.com.