Justin Thomas announces shock split ahead of The Masters

Justin Thomas has announced that he and his caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay have called it quits after two-and-a-half years together.

The two-time major champion revealed the news in a social media post this evening – eight days out from the first round of The Masters.

“While incredibly difficult for me to say, Bones and I have parted ways,” wrote Thomas. “I’m going to be forever thankful for him joining me on the bag in 2021.

“The things we’ve been able to accomplish together – the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups were all unforgettable experiences.

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“His wisdom on and off the course has been a blessing during a tough stretch of my career and he was there every step of the way.”

Thomas turned to Mackay – formerly Phil Mickelson’s long-standing caddie – after splitting with Jimmy Johnson following the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

The partnership paid quick dividends in May 2022 when Thomas won the PGA Championship for a second time, beating Will Zalatoris in a playoff at Southern Hills.

However, that proved to be their only victory together.

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After a disappointing 2023, in which he missed the cut in three of the four majors and failed to qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship, Thomas has endured an up-and-down start to this season.

Back-to-back top-10 finishes in his opening two events of the year have been offset by missed cuts at the Genesis Invitational and The PLAYERS Championship.

He finished in a tie for 64th on his most recent start at the Valspar Championship last weekend.

“I know there are great things coming for both of us down the road,” added Thomas. “I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family amongst my friends.”

It is being reported that Thomas will have veteran caddie Matt Minister – formerly on the bag of Patrick Cantlay – alongside him when he goes to Augusta National next week for the 88th edition of The Masters.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor