Justin Thomas splits with caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay before Masters

In a shocking transfer that comes the week earlier than the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership, Justin Thomas introduced Wednesday that he has parted methods with Jim “Bones” Mackay, who’s considered among the best caddies within the sport.

It’s unclear who might be on Thomas’ bag on the first main championship of the season, which might be performed April 11-14 at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership.

“Whereas extremely troublesome for me to say, Bones and I’ve parted methods,” Thomas wrote on social media. “I’ll be endlessly grateful for him becoming a member of me on the bag in 2021. The issues we have been in a position to accomplish collectively — the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups had been all unforgettable experiences. His knowledge on and off the course has been a blessing throughout a tricky stretch of my profession and he was there each step of the best way.

“I do know there are nice issues coming for each of us down the street. I want him the perfect of luck and can at all times rely him and his household amongst my associates.”

Mackay, who labored as a commentator for NBC Sports activities when Thomas wasn’t taking part in, beforehand helped Phil Mickelson win 5 of his six main championships whereas caddying for him from 1992 to 2017.

Mackay jumped on Thomas’ bag when his common caddie, Jimmy Johnson, wasn’t feeling properly on the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in July 2020. Thomas employed Mackay full time in September 2021.

Mackay helped Thomas win his second main championship on the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Nation Membership in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But it surely has been an uphill climb the previous two seasons for Thomas, who missed the 2023 FedEx Cup playoffs and was a controversial captain’s decide for the Ryder Cup in Rome.

This 12 months, Thomas appeared to show a nook when he had three straight top-12 finishes earlier than lacking the reduce on the Genesis Invitational and Gamers Championship, two signature occasions. He ranks fifth in strokes gained: method (.795) however 169th in placing (-.674).