Out of The Loop
PHIL MICKELSON and caddie Jim (Bones) Mackay, who had been a team since 1992, parted ways amicably on June 20. Mickelson said that after 25 years both men "needed a little bit of a change in environment," and he announced that his brother, Tim, will tote his clubs going forward. After helping Lefty to 41 of his 42 Tour wins, including five majors, Mackay, 51, shouldn't be out of work for long. Here are a few PGA Tour players who could benefit the most, on a scale of one to five bones, from having Mackay carrying his sticks.
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU
Bones and Bryson are separated by 28 years, but if anyone could handle DeChambeau's esoteric, numbers-heavy approach to the game, it's the intelligent and analytical Mackay.
[2 bones]
CHARLES HOWELL III
The 38-year-old, two-time Tour winner has experienced a renaissance, climbing into the top 70 in the rankings. A pessimist would say his best golf is behind him, but many thought the same of Mickelson two years ago.
[3 bones]
PATRICK REED
Mickelson appealed to Mackay because he wanted to get to the Ryder Cup. Reed, a fiery five-time winner, would keep Mackay's 22-year Cup streak alive, and Reed could reach a new level with Mackay's wisdom and calm.
[5 bones]
BRANDT SNEDEKER
The last seven majors have been won by first-timers, and Sneds could be next. At 36, he's entering the now-or-never stage of his career, and his game is similar to Phil's, though more consistent on the greens.
[4 bones]
Jim (Bones) Mackay got his nickname when Fred Couples couldn't remember the lanky, 6'4" bagman's name. It stuck and became another in the long list of great caddie sobriquets.
Tommy (Burnt Biscuits) Bennett
Ernest (Creamy) Carolan
Mike (Fluff) Cowan
Steve (Asbestos) Duplantis
Alfred (Rabbit) Dyer
Steven (Pepsi) Hale
Adolphos (Golf Ball) Hull
Gordon (Harpo) Hundley
Carl (Skillet) Jackson
Dave (Reptile) Lemon
Ron (Bambi) Levin
(Gorjus) George Lucas
Jeff (Squeeky) Medlen
Phil (Wobbly) Morbey
Jerry (Hobo) Osborn
Lance (Last Call) Ten Broeck