Phil Mickelson's Caddie Shows us How to Man the Bag

Jim “Bones” Mackay has been Phil Mickelson’s caddie for the last two and a half decades. He’s been a significant part of one of the top careers in professional golf, and VICE Sports’ Fernando Perez had a chance to play a quick round with him in Arizona. During their time on the course, Bones showed us the basics of caddying and offered a few gems from his time manning Lefty’s bag.
WATCH NEXT: Behind the Scenes with Pro Golf’s Pit Crew - bit.ly/2enGXMB
Subscribe to VICE Sports here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-Sports
Check out VICE Sports for more: www.vicesports.com
Follow VICE Sports here:
Facebook: / vicesports
Twitter: / vicesports
Instagram: / vicesports
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo

[@maxjones2008]

"I love someone making decisions for me.""You should get married."Haha

[@JustGotSomeIdeas]

Actually killed me

[@kyeclyde6058]

i realize I'm kinda off topic but do anyone know a good site to watch new tv shows online?

[@richardl.6887]

Pretty cool insight into the mind of one of the best caddies on tour. Love these golf vids. Hopefully there's more to come!

[@mitchellblades]

bones is a legend!

[@jeremyepstein7977]

It's kind of awesome to see Vice Sports covering so much golf

[@garfieldcampbell8847]

I like Bones... I’ve never heard him say anything negative about another player and I find him to be an interesting story teller. Glad he has a TV gig. Intelligent chap.

[@roblowe6086]

So inspirational. Thank you Bones. You have done so much for this game.

[@jeffree6996]

I'm a golf coach/swing instructor/ caddie based in Pittsburgh. I caddie full time at Sewickley Heights and also for a few professionals on east coast tours. I've caddied near 200 tournaments over a 15 year span. From Akron, Ohio down to Sarasota, Florida I've carried bags on over 100 courses for 6 different professionals in 6 different tours. At my local club I've caddied for dozens of local celebs including Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, Pirates, actors etc. Most notably Mario Lemiuex, Brett Kiesel, Gerrit Cole, Jeff Goldblum, Jeremy Piven, Luke Bryan. I've met a lot of PGA players and caddies, managers, company reps etc. I remember all the faces and names but it's uncommon that I'm recognized. However at the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont which is 20 mins from my house, I took my dad for Father's Day on Saturday and we were right along the rope on the par 3 number 6. Almost pin high. Phil hit an errant tee shot right of the green and right by our feet. My dad tried to sneak a video in his phone. I met Bones and Phil the Tuesday before on the range as I was attending with the First Tee program. I talked with bones for a solid 3 minutes just telling him I admire him blah blah. So back to Saturday. Phils ball is right at our feet. Bones is telling everyone to put their phones away. My dad had his phone in his shirt pocket still recording. Phil hits his shot and walks. Bones picks up his bag and says "Jeff right? Slick video" and chuckles and walks away. I was on cloud nine because such a respected well known individual in golf, probably the most well known caddie of my generation actually remembered my face and name. I'm sure he couldn't pick me out of a line up today but that day was special. As a person who earns a living by improving others golf games, I really look up to Bones and study his and Phils relationship. Caddying in tournaments is the toughest aspect of my profession. It's not easy to get a 30 handicapper to be a solid ball striker. It's not easy to improve the swing of a stubborn scratch golfer. It's certainly not easy to keep a pro under control after he went bogey double bogey and he needs to shave 4 strokes to make a cut and he's about to throw his putter in the drink. I wouldn't trade it for the world though. I'm blessed to earn a good living in the field of golf. I'm a scratch golfer myself but couldn't earn enough to do it for a living so as the saying goes "those who can't do, teach". So that's what I'll do until the day I no longer can. To anyone aspiring to be a golf instructor, swing coach, caddie, or even reach for the stars and land on a good tour, don't give up hope, don't lose the passion, don't stop improving, and above all.. Don't forget to have fun doing it. Have a blessed day everyone and remember that no matter your age, sex, skin color, there's always a golf course ready to give you a tee time. Get out with your friends and enjoy yourself. Try to play each round a stroke better then the last and always be a good sport and move forward instead of looking back. Sorry to anyone who reads this novel and is bored. I apologize. Just wanted to share some of my experience in the industry

[@ericerb6610]

Jeff Ree I didn't really want to read this wall of text, but I'm very glad I did. Thank you for sharing your experience and making a point out of it that you have been successful and that others can too. Very inspiring and good luck to you in the future

[@johnmaher5565]

I’m based 50 minutes east of Pittsburgh.. very cool story thanks for sharing!

[@geromejohnnygranada]

thanks for the encouragement jeff! i'm actually planning on becoming a caddie next year and hopefully i'll get into inverness as it's about 40 minutes from where i live and my dad knows some people around there. as someone who is looking to try to become a caddie full time do you have any more specific pieces of advice? i would love to hear more!

[@KalleJon10]

Jeff Ree what a phony! You are a great fat phony!

[@jessey1729]

Great read, you paragraph spaces next time (easier on the eyes) wouldn’t hurt to edit it now for future readers. It would be a shame that many people will skip the wall of text as it’s not the easiest to read.

[@SportsTokUS]

RIP Bones and Phil marriage

[@blacky87100]

Such a positive guy. A great part of Phils success for sure.

[@DABtheBoo]

Love getting every aspect of golf! Now we need a behind the scenes of whats its like to take care of one of these beautiful courses!!

[@burr69]

DABtheBoo Lawnmower and seeds

[@RockSpoon123]

@@burr69 I work as a golf course maintenance worker. It's a LOT more than just a lawnmower and seeds.

[@SandSeven]

It's absolutely fascinating. My stepfather spent 30+ years as a golf superintendent. The attention to detail makes all the difference on a golf course.

[@project10bball]

5:51 perfect technique

[@bankyy]

this guy is so positive lol

[@kieranhimself3655]

Phil's caddie Jim Mackay, better known as Bones, also is a member and has a handicap of 3.1, down from 1.9.

[@mattdhurley]

Awesome seeing some insight to the master. With his walk, looks like years of carrying a heavy bag on one side took it's toll on his back! Looks like he's still hitting like a champ though.

[@ericjamesphotography]

True story, Bones gave me the finger at the BMW a few years back because he didn't like me taking photos of Phil.

[@Allaluca]

You deserved it lol

[@ouyrwq]

At least he has some class. You not so much. By the way what did you do with picture?

[@emericaclay1]

Mark Fritz that’s quite a jackasses statement

[@sidkul5119]

Well ....... fuck you again

[@codymichels5360]

Mark Fritz the fuck you mean dude? these guys aren’t invincible, they’re not jesus christ either. anybody can take a picture of anything they want

[@SterlingWood]

Great video! Thanks for the upload. Would love to work with Vice on videos like this one.

[@ericjamesphotography]

First time I saw Phil in person was at the BMW Championship at Cog Hill. I was a young amateur photographer with a big lens taking his photo as he at a hot dog. In a large gallery of people he looks at me and shouts something while Bones gave me the finger. Then the gallery chased me out! Highly traumatizing experience.

[@kevmoful]

I live near a TPC in Florida and one of my favorite guys to play with was a former caddy for a few pros . Said he made 3-4 grand a tournament plus winning percentage. I’d trade my day job for it any day. PS best golf movie is Happy Gilmore or Tin Cup . Can’t decide

[@badraider1]

This shoulda been thirty minutes long

[@georgeqiao1464]

Bones has many millions thanks to phil

[@mitchellblades]

many many many

[@XxxTheFireEmblemxxX]

Conversely, Phil has many millions thanks to Bones.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Doubt it. Phil makes good money but his on course winning are pretty low.

[@Njliving22]

dont be dumb he made 50 million on the course how much u make bum

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

I made $26.00 in a skins game.

[@russsnider7375]

Bones is such a good guy!

[@trewten5579]

he really is a good caddy he was making him feel good about all his bad shots!!!

[@trvrshoe4518]

what a guy.

[@markmatthews6839]

Is that Whisper Rock? Scottsdale for sure, somewhere.

[@TateHoward]

I remember seeing Phil Mickelson's Caddy at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and he was a snappy one when it came to taking pictures of Phil..

[@Cody_Person]

phil and bones both hate it when you take pictures while they are in the zone. you should listen to the no laying up podcast with bones on it, he touches on this subject.

[@ihtctt]

Tate Howard Same here. Bones wasn't playing with those phones.

[@182rique]

does anyone know the song playing in 4:38??

[@Duke4TW]

rip to the greatest duo

[@benjaminfredrick5791]

3:09 Homemade bacon, egg, and cheese croissant

[@ianshepherd6476]

Bones is a G! Love that guy

[@luap89]

I wanna hang out with Jim, top bloke!

[@joshp9667]

Thought this was mike epps with dreads

[@bensalaman9359]

For not knowin much about golf he has a pretty good swing!

[@priayief]

Bones has a great swing!

[@TeufelHunden55]

enjoyed that one...

[@professionalcommenter5]

I miss being a caddie so much.

[@tjk2433]

Wow just a good person

[@jefffabian5039]

It was the year 1905 when I read the phone book

[@ScratchArkkitehti]

Did this interview get BONES canned?

[@canadianroot]

Bones mans the bag. This qualifies as a triple entendre, I think.

[@nickshanks68]

Can you send me to play golf next vice? Hahaha

[@hunterlogan7378]

Bones yelled at me for taking a pic of Phil a few years back

[@highsnburgers4862]

Bones is just right.

[@pianofry1138]

I wonder if on some of the crazier of Phil's shots who was the first to recommend it.

[@MrKydaman]

Fern's got game....Bones is cool

[@FatherJoel]

This the blind guy off Becker?

[@chadyost444]

Is dudes bag strapped in the cart backwards?

[@timothyyoung6879]

Why these two split ways I'll never know. It was even more baffling to me than Tiger leaving Butch, Stevie and changing his swing when he didn't need to.

[@jamey2326]

the interviewer seems like a new golfer but he also has a super athletic swing idk what to think

[@bretontjfraser]

He’s a former MLB player so he’s definitely a world class athlete

[@jamey2326]

@@bretontjfraser ahhh, that makes sense

[@whoooswag]

dude in the thumbnail looks like Mike Epps

[@ape_hozer8245]

Looks like stone canyon golf club

[@highcurrent1125]

Good vid....then bones climbs into his lambo for his drive home...

[@Ryansteezy]

Dude in pink is funny and actually got game

[@slowdawg84]

I thought the vice correspondent was the caddy at first

[@taunokekkonen5733]

slowdawg84 a black man on the screen will do that.

[@DysonGolf]

TELL THAT MAN COME BY MY CHANNEL FOR SOME FREE LESSONS!!! LOL. He did good to say he is with a KING CADDIE.

[@georgebowman1060]

Cool

[@aduhm3321]

good ol' Jack Mickelson, if he aint golfin hes at the Laker game

[@QIKWIA]

Bones done went and retired.💯.Phil paid him well..so, 🙆🏽‍♀️

[@project10bball]

hey fernando

[@landonderbyshire6462]

Fernando’s got the hip torque because he played in the MLB. He may not hit it straight all of the time, be my god he can hit it far.

[@russellthorburn9297]

1:47 planning for the miss? I don't care where Phil misses, he's got a MUCH better than average chance of getting his next shot 10 feet or less from the cup. Not everyone is Phil so yes everyone else had better miss it in a good spot.

[@YforTurbo]

neat

[@TheMightySandow]

Two fit men and they're going in a golf cart. Only in america...

[@juicewrldunreleased9997]

This video aged well😂

[@samibouzrara5658]

Wym?

[@maaduece5132]

maybe thats what i need to tell my self . what ever you do dont hit it onto the green

[@HanPro]

this video got him fired? maybe phil wanted all the attention. the whole pie!

[@yyumanager4709]

Wait rrly

[@jordanarill]

Phil is a swinger

[@zanplayz1896]

Bones and Derek jeter brothers?????

[@khunopie9159]

FIGJAM approves

[@natskis]

"You should get married" but try get a decision about what to have for dinner...

[@Ryan97beyond]

I didnt know J Cole loves to play golf

[@deidreevans2777]

what did u get out of that

[@1505PRODUCTIONS]

U should get married lol 😂

[@seanokula392]

anyone else here frrom SECRETS OF THE SHORT GAME?

[@jakehoschette2593]

Isn’t his brother his caddie?

[@BadBoiFilms]

My last name is Mackay so I’m probably related to him

[@cr8iveamboy775]

Caddyshack makes golf fun and sexy. Golf is not necessarily wat makes this movie good..btw saw it again & there is so much of what Tiger is into in this film

[@dirkdiggler8330]

don't show 1 of his shots. got to luv a person that can't play caddy for the best

[@runningkirkwa2934]

Most golfers cant rake a bunker nice

[@michellemabelleobamalamash7653]

Why does the host have a mop on his head? 🤯

[@tylerbert7661]

He’s not Phil’s catty anymore they got in a fight

[@brandonsutton2466]

Why do they send out guys that can't golf? At least send a 10-15 capper out there.

[@chrisralph1036]

I’d say he’s probably the best golfer at Vice.

[@user-dc1dr9kr8x]

Not for nothing....but a huge part of being a caddy is carrying the bag....I see a cart

[@conormchugh2028]

*first black man to step foot on a golf course* *colorized*

[@osscarfransson]

yeah, no one has ever heard of Tiger Woods

[@conormchugh2028]

OFB Tiger is the whitest black man

[@calebreasons]

Who's fault is that? If a black man wants to step foot on a golf course, he can and does. Way to make something so benign into a racist trope. You're the saddest kind of human being.

[@osscarfransson]

@@conormchugh2028 No he is civilized and carries himself with respect, unlike the rest

[@conormchugh2028]

Caleb Reasons wow very liberal comment section. Clearly you’ve never seen a meme before

[@a.d.prayer1779]

ow... when i first saw this i thought the black dude wascthe caddie... that would have been a story..

[@jamaalshelton6793]

Racism not in golf? Did u not hear what Tiger former caddy said about him? Of course the racist comment from Fuzzy after tiger master win and of course the blocking of Blacks in numerous golf courses

[@runningkirkwa2934]

That bunker raking was awful

[@djonenonly8381]

all I see ere is that a human can make anything important...with their barin...

[@loganwiley6327]

If Adam Duritz was black

[@lucifran2811]

The old bottom randomly develop because bagel specially mess up notwithstanding a profuse check. flagrant, puny roll

[@chrisredig1381]

Thought it would be a good idea to carry luggage for an idiot and give some advice he don't give a fuck once in a while

[@kevinmaroney8471]

A guy that can't get a hair cut can't man a bag let alone relate to one things Bones said....

[@whaterror4333]

Kevin Maroney You're a moron if you think that passes for logic

[@kevinmaroney8471]

Your name says it all.

[@ctrlaltcreate3827]

You take yourself too seriously. There’s a reason positive guys like Bones are where they are

[@jakethemuss3]

Swing is pretty shitty, but I guess that is why he is on the bag, and not hitting the shots.

[@rektspresso7288]

jakethemuss3 Can't judge a book by its cover when it comes to golf swings. A lot of the scratch players at my club have swings which would make them look like 20 handicappers at first glance. Repeatability is exponentially more important than how athletic or aesthetically appealing a golf swing is. All that aside, Bones' swing doesn't look bad at all to me. In fact I'd say it's very good. He has solid balance throughout the swing, good rotation, and a very smooth tempo all of which you rarely see in most average golfers. I'd be shocked if he couldn't break 80 if he had the time to play and practice several times a week

[@jakethemuss3]

I play a ton of golf, and while everyones swing is unique, the good players overall have good swings.

[@rektspresso7288]

jakethemuss3 "Good" swings in what sense? Aesthetically? Biomechanically? Degree of repeatability? Describing a swing simply as "good" is way too vague to have any meaning.

[@seancq2583]

jakethemuss3 didn't realise tiger woods went under a different name on KZbin

[@kieranhimself3655]

Mate I’m pretty sure bones playsof scratch

[@joey5picks]

That was a terrible rake job. Why didn't Bones show how it's supposed to be done? The last stroke should be a push not a pull. Look at all the ridges he left

[@toodles241]

Awkward interview

[@trav-c137]

toodles241 most are! lol

[@SellTheBenefits]

Will Bones publish a book one day about how Phill is a bigot? We'll see.

[@calebrobirds793]

Whats the point of having a guy who has the worst swing in the contiguous united States play with a caddie

[@We_Reddit]

Another quality waste of my time from vice.