Who Is Phil Mickelson’s Caddie?

Phil's brother Tim is on the bag, having previously been a coach and then an agent of Jon Rahm

Who Is Phil Mickelson’s Caddie?
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Who Is Phil Mickelson's Caddie?

Phil Mickelson split with long time caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay in 2017 and has since turned to a familiar face. Interestingly, Mickelson currently has his younger brother Tim on the bag after he and Jim 'Bones' McKay parted ways. The pair have enjoyed several victories together including the 2021 PGA Championship. 

Tim Mickelson previously coached former world number one-ranked amateur Jon Rahm at Arizona State. Before that, he worked at the University of San Diego for eight years as a golf coach. Along with being a coach, he is (or was) a brilliant player too. He competed in the 1999 Buick Invitational alongside his brother, although they both missed the cut.

As well as being a golf coach and former player, Tim Mickelson is also an agent. When Rahm turned professional in 2016 Tim worked for him as his agent at Lagardere Sports until his brother asked him to be his caddie following the retirement of much celebrated caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay in June 2017. Interestingly Phil is right-handed but plays golf left-handed, but Tim is left-handed and plays golf right-handed.

Jim 'Bones' Mackay

Mackay was born in England but grew up in Florida and began playing golf when he was younger at Columbus College before going on to caddie for players such as Larry Mize, Curtis Strange and Scott Simpson. He began to carry the bag for Mickelson in 1992. The Mickelson Mackay player/caddie partnership was one of the longest in history, 25 years to be precise, and has been one of the most successful.

Mickelson with McKay

Mickelson and McKay at the 1994 Presidents Cup (Getty Images)

Mackay helped the World Golf Hall of Famer to win 41 times including five major titles: 2004, 2006 and 2010 Masters, 2005 USPGA Championship and most recently the 2013 Open Championship. This resulted in Mackay being inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame in September 2017 and has become an on-course commentator for NBC and the Golf Channel.

During his time as Mickelson’s caddie, Mackay earned roughly between $500,000 – $1 million per year and is often referred to by his nickname ‘Bones’ due to his lanky frame. 'Bones' has since teamed up with Justin Thomas and they have had big success together, winning the 2022 PGA Championship. 

For more content on the American, take a look at Mickelson's what's in the bag setup, or learn more about his wife, Amy.

Elliott Heath
Senior Staff Writer

Elliott Heath is our Senior Staff Writer and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news, features, courses and travel sections as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as four Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays at West Byfleet Golf Club in Surrey, where his handicap index floats anywhere between 2-5. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!


Elliott is currently playing:


Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: TaylorMade SIM2 Max

Hybrid: TaylorMade SIM Max

Irons: Mizuno MP5 4-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x