Jim “Bones” Mackay might no longer be an employee of five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, but it does not seem like he will have trouble getting a positive reference from his old boss.
In his first public comments since the high-profile split last week, Mickelson raved about Mackay on The Dan Patrick Show, expressing a belief that many of the better pros on Tour will be knocking down his door.
Bullets
- Mutual Agreement: According to Phil Mickelson, the seemingly abrupt break-up of their 25-year professional relationship was a mutual decision, with both parties believing that “it was time” to move on. He also mentioned that the two had hoped the U.S. Open would be their last event together, as it was also their first event together in 1992, but Phil was unable to compete at Erin Hills, due to the high school graduation of his oldest daughter.
- Brother On the Bag: Business: Mickelson will have his brother, Tim, on the bag for the rest of the season, beginning with next week’s Greenbrier Classic. Mickelson said that he was looking forward to spending more time with his brother, who doubles as the agent of young phenom Jon Rahm.
- No Tipping Point: Despite Patrick’s prodding, Mickelson insisted that that he and MacKay’s parting was not due to a specific incident, but rather an accumulating belief that they both needed to pursue new opportunities.
- Phil Beats LPGA: Mickelson also spoke a little during a Monday skills competition that he was in as part of the LPGA’s KPMG Women’s Championship, where he defeated Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, and Stacy Lewis in a short-game showcase.
Quotable
“I think that he’s going to have opportunities to be on the bag of some great, great players. I think a lot of the top players are going to want him on their bag because of his experience, his knowledge, his ability to think clearly under the gun, his Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup experiences. Knowing and having such a high golf IQ, I think he’s going to be able to bring a lot to the table for a number of players.”
–Phil Mickelson