Legendary caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is set to make a comeback as an on-course announcer for NBC Sports, starting with the US Open on June 13.
Mackay has inked a multi-year full-time deal with the broadcaster, having previously worked with them from 2017-2021. Known as one of golf’s most beloved caddies, Mackay proved a natural fit in the broadcasting world when he first took up the mic seven years ago.
After a long stint caddying for Phil Mickelson spanning over 25 years, Mackay shifted to media roles before briefly returning to caddying in 2021 for Justin Thomas. The duo clinched victory at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills. However, Mackay has chosen to step back into his role as an announcer, covering events like the upcoming US Open.
“He will be part of NBC Sports for years to come as we’re going to partner for a long time with him,” stated Sam Flood, executive producer of NBC Sports and president of production. Expressing his contentment, Mackay shared: “I’m delighted with the agreement and have no plans to caddie again in the near future.”
“It’s great for me and I couldn’t be happier about the situation,” Mackay told Golfweek. “In terms of where I am in my life, this is the perfect scenario for me and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
While he continued some TV work even while teaming up with Thomas, their partnership ended in March following the Valspar Championship. Now committed full-time, Mackay is set to cover multiple tournaments throughout the year.
Jim Mackay will return to NBC Sports as an announcer for ‘many years’.
Mackay has revealed his plans for the year, stating: “I’m going to do several (tournaments) this year. It’s a bit TBD and will have a more well-established schedule the next few years.”
The remainder of 2024 sees NBC hosting the British Open, all FedEx Cup Playoff events, and the PNC Championship. Mackay is fully committed to his new role and confessed that it would take an extraordinary situation for him to return to caddying.
“Television is my No. 1 priority and I’ll do what I did before if someone is sick or between caddies and needs a guy for a week and it’s not an NBC event, then I’d be happy to help out,” he further explained. “But beyond that, I will be doing TV primarily as far as what I do for a living.”
Mackay was the caddie for Justin Thomas before stepping away in March.
There are additional changes being made to the US Open coverage on NBC, as Flood announced that fans will enjoy two extra minutes per hour of live footage compared to last year. NBC aims to provide more coverage than ever before, bringing fans closer to the action.
“We hear the comments and we know that we need to look for solutions. We’re working with our partners and figuring out ways to make sure as much golf as possible is going to be shown,” Flood told Golf.com.
Scottie Scheffler is the clear favourite to win the US Open this year, with Rory McIlroy trailing behind him in the betting markets. Reigning champion Wyndham Clark is remembered for his incredible run that saw him beat McIlroy to the title by a single stroke.
