Picking over the Bones of an unexpected split
PHIL MICKELSON didn’t hit a single shot at this year’s US Open. Yet it seems to have had huge implications for his career.
I was supportive of his decision to skip the event to attend his eldest daughter’s high-school graduation.
But I was shocked to learn last week that he had decided to part with long-time caddie Jim, ‘Bones’ Mackay.
The statements that both Phil and Bones released were very complimentary about the incredible success during their 25-year partnership.
ButI have no doubts Mickelson has sacked his caddie. I just wonder if events at Erin Hills were the trigger for that?
While his boss was at home in California, Bones still had to go up to Wisconsin and walk the fairways and do all the preparations in case there was a long-rain delay and his boss could make it over in time.
It was a far-fetched idea and Bones was made to look a bit foolish. Maybe after all these years, he felt he deserved a bit more respect from Mickelson.
We can only speculate about what was said – if anything – but the end result is the two of them are no longer together.
It brings to an end one of the greatest player-caddie duos golf has ever seen. They were together for 45 tournament wins, including five Majors, 11 Ryder Cups and every single Presidents Cup.
They were a real team. Fans loved their dialogue before every shot, and Bones will be a hard man to replace.
Phil has turned to his brother, Tim, in the meantime. But that brings up another issue as Tim is the manager of rising Spanish star, Jon Rahm.
Bones will have no shortage of offers because plenty of players would love to have a man of his experience on their bag.
As for the US Open itself, I had no problem with the USGA taking the event to a new venue. But they won’t be going back any time soon.
Erin Hills just didn’t test every part of a player’s game. It wasn’t demanding enough off the tee.
There were mitigating factors. The weather was far less windy than expected and heavy overnight rain really softened up the course for scoring.
With controversy during the previous two years, it wasn’t a surprise that the USGA wanted a hassle-free week.
It was amazing to see 31 players finish under-par. But there will be nowhere near that many next year at Shinnecock Hills. Then it will be back to normal for a US Open!
None of this will concern the winner, Brooks Koepka, too much.
With so many leading names missing the cut, or out of contention, the opportunity was there for someone and Koepka seized the moment.
The course suited his long, straight hitting and he played the right shots when required. But he didn’t fear any of his challengers.
He’s close friends with World No.1 Dustin Johnson and has that similar type of power game. At 27, he’s now at a great age to kick on and challenge for more Majors.