"Mickelson was from Mars, Mackay from Venus, and they ruled in their own universe."

As brother Tim Mickelson takes over looping for brother Phil (DiMeglio/USAToday), the San Diego Union-Tribune's Tod Leonard salutes the Jim "Bones" Mackay run of 25 years despite his shock at the news.

He writes:

This is Lucy divorcing Desi. In a pressure-cooker sport in which some caddies change partners as often as Taylor Swift rotates beaus, Phil and “Bones” working more than 550 tournaments together with not so much as a single public spat borders on being a miracle.

Let’s be real: The fact “Bones” didn’t strangle Phil on numerous occasions makes him something of a saint.

Rex Hoggard says it was fitting that one of the great player-caddie runs ended two weeks ago in Memphis where it all began.

“I do think every time I come back here, 25 years ago to the day basically on Monday, Tuesday, it was at Farmington Golf Course was the first day that Bones and I ever worked together. It was exactly 25 years ago this week,” Mickelson said on June 7. “Every time I come back here to Memphis I always think about that and that particular moment.”

Comments

[digsouth]

A real shock.

Two quality people: albest to both. Bones knee replacements may indicate a end to his looping... he would be GREAT with a microphone.

phil m.~ time to reel in a few more trophies!

Jim- do what is best for you and your family. I cannot see any network not wanting you with a mic in your hand.

dig

[Ringer]

A quote from Tod Leonard's column: "Mackay saw too many miracle shots -- like the rifled 6-iron through the trees at Augusta's 13th when Mickelson seized the 2013 Masters -- to doubt that Phil would fail at anything he tried."

The English language in shaky hands is a wonderful thing. My apologies to Leonard if those hands were actually an unseen editor's.

[Paul]

Still shocked by this. So bummed to see this partnership over. Thought they'd both hang it up together. Didn't LaCava and Freddy end this way to - a bit of a surprise?

Hope amongst the young bomber crowd, that pro golf is today, someone can stand out, be a star and fun to watch.

[Bud]

There must be more to this story than what has come out. Mackey is not retiring, so his health issues aren't the cause.

Mickelson getting to the end of his competitive career is more likely a factor.

[Brandon]

@ Paul. LaCava was encouraged to seek other work by Couples due to his ailing back and shortened schedule. That and he was going to participate on the Champions Tour full time with an occasional Tour stop. When Tiger's bag became available I think Couples made the comment that "LaCava could make more money in one weekend on Tiger's bag than he could from me for the entire year."

Agreed that this is very odd. Everyone thought Rahm was the guy after the US Open meltdown, but Rahm squashed those rumors right away, at least for the time being. Rosaforte said Maverick McNealy, but he doesn't even know if he's turning pro. So who could Mackay tote a bag for? You have to think money isn't the issue for him anymore. As for Mickelson, why the change so late in his career from a guy he's known for 25 years? What is a fresh set of eyes going to do for him? A new swing coach hasn't exactly brought the wins.

[BrianS]

The more I have thought about this, the more I think that they just needed a break from each other. At Sawgrass and Memphis there were both moments of irritation from Phil, and I'm sure there were many more from Bones that we didn't see. Hard to believe after so many years, but maybe they just thought hey, why not. It isn't like they couldn't get back together at some point - which I predict will happen unless Bones hooks up with some stud. If you've been in essentially the same job for 25 years, sometimes just doing something different seems very enticing , even if it might not be that practical. Best for both of them.

[Tremendous Slouch]

There clearly was more to this, otherwise why do it in the middle of major season?

[Zimmer]

I wonder how Bones was compensated.

[ajlfour]

Bones was @ Erin Hills for 2-3 days prior to the 1st round preparing in case Phil showed. Phil didn't show. Less than 48 hours after the final round, Phil wrote Bones a goodbye love poem. This was not some inevitable break-up that was bound to happen after 25 years. Something happened. The small gaggle of golf reporters/writers don't want to loose their Phil access. So this was some inevitable break-up that was bound to happen after 25 years.

[BrianS]

@ Aj - per Sobel or one of your "gaggle" Bones already knew about this before he went to the Open. Others knew as well.

[ChuckDietzenTNnotIN]

Should the details of this come out - who initiated it, what were the factors that ultimately played a role in the change, etc. - it will be interesting.
Both should be ok. Phil will work with someone he knows well (and who knows Phil well).
Bones should be able to find work with another star or at least a budding star . . . but probably not a superstar like Mickelson. Unless he was unwise with his money he should be ok financially. And if his legs won't let him caddie, he is literate and knowledgeable enough to find work in broadcasting or the like.
I surely enjoyed watching them work together and hope both find success going forward.