Justin Thomas' caddie, Jim 'Bones' Mackay is set to earn himself a little piece of history this week when he fulfils lead-analyst duties during NBC Sports' coverage of the Mexico Open on the PGA Tour.
With Thomas opting to have the week off after a disappointing Genesis Invitational and having competed in four of the past five events, the veteran tour looper is taking the opportunity to become the first active caddie ever to serve as the main color-commentator for the broadcaster.
First reported by Golfweek, Mackay is set to fill a hybrid role for NBC in its coverage. The 58-year-old will spend Thursday as an on-course reporter, a position he has previous experience in, before moving into the three-man booth alongside two of Brad Faxon, Steve Sands, and Dan Hicks, who will share hosting duties from Friday to Sunday.
Mackay is the latest in a growing list of names who have stepped in to hold the microphone after Paul Azinger departed NBC shortly after last year's Ryder Cup. Azinger did not have his contract renewed following brief negotiations into an extension, and since then, the American broadcaster has operated a 'rolling audition' as it searches for a long-term replacement.
Former Team Europe Ryder Cup captain and experienced commentator Paul McGinley temporarily stepped up during Tiger Woods' long-awaited comeback at the Hero World Challenge late last year, PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner has twice had a go (The Sentry and WM Phoenix Open), Curt Byrum was lead analyst at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee filled in across Nick Dunlap's extraordinary win at The American Express.
Jim 'Bones' Mackay at the 2021 Honda Classic
Since leaving Phil Mickelson's side following 25 years in 2017, 'Bones' has enjoyed several stints as an on-course reporter, including at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. His broadcasting debut arrived in 2015, though, when he was a roving reporter for GOLF Channel’s live tournament coverage of the RSM Classic.
However, according to Golfweek, Mackay is not interested in taking the lead-analyst position in the long term and remains committed to carrying Thomas' bag - a job he has held since 2021.
This week's PGA Tour event at Vidanta is the first of seven consecutive tournaments being broadcast by NBC.
-
'A Natural Fit' - Tiger Woods Backs Keegan Bradley US Ryder CaptaincyThe 15-time Major winner made his remarks during an appearance in the NBC Sports broadcasting booth in the final round of the Hero World Challenge
-
Scottie Scheffler Set To Overtake Six-Time Major Winner For Consecutive Weeks As World No.1The 28-year-old will soon reach 82 weeks at the top of the world rankings, overtaking Nick Faldo
-
Hero World Challenge Final Round Tee TimesScottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas will go out together in round four of the Hero World Challenge, with the latter holding a one-stroke lead...
-
Justin Thomas Comes Up Over 80 Yards Short On Par 3 At The OpenStrong winds at Royal Troon have been playing havoc with golf shots throughout the day - with Justin Thomas the latest victim
-
'My Identity Is Secure Forever' - Scottie Scheffler's Mindset Provides The Fuel To Secure A Second Green JacketScheffler's second Masters win came with his first child due in a matter of weeks. His mindset off the course is clearly helping him do great things on it.
-
The Internet's Best Reactions To Tiger Woods Appearing To Shake Hands With A TreeThe perfect camera angle, the perfect meme. Here's the internet's best reactions to Tiger's unusual handshake
-
Why The Masters Gnome Has Proven To Be The Most Exclusive Purchase Of 2024Selling out within an hour of the gift shop opening, the Masters garden gnome is a cult figure cult status
-
7 Takeaways From Tiger Woods' Masters Press ConferenceHere are the 7 key points we gathered from Tiger's press conference ahead of the 2024 Masters
-
'I Made Four Birdies In Seven Holes And Helped Pay For My First Car' - Justin Thomas Shares Awesome Michael Jordan Story On The Late ShowThe pro golfer told host Stephen Colbert a story about the time he teamed up with Jordan for the final part of a round aged just 15
-
WATCH: Wyndham Clark Chunks Tee Shot Into Water On 17th While Sharing The Lead At Players ChampionshipThe World No.5 made a hash of his tee shot on the 17th during the third round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass
