Bones and JP are two of golf’s unsung heroes
RORY McILROY shone a light on the great work done by caddies with his praise of JP Fitzgerald after his first-round Open revival.
McIlroy revealed that a telling-off on Thursday from JP after just six holes, when he was already fiveover-par, was just what the doctor ordered.
JP knows his man well and the pair have forged a very loyal bond. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, Rory obviously listens.
The caddie sensed that Rory was starting to feel sorry for himself. The usual bounce in his stride wasn’t there and he seemed resigned to missing the cut.
On top of missing the cut in Ireland and Scotland, Rory’s confidence was suffering so JP stepped in to deliver his pep talk.
After that, the difference was marked. Rory started to play like the former World No.1 and four-time Major winner he is.
For 27 holes playing alongside current World No.1 Dustin Johnson, McIlroy was far superior.
JP Fitzgerald took the plaudits for that contribution, but this sort of week at Royal Birkdale is when every single caddie really earns their money.
There has been sun, wind and rain and the caddie must make sure his man is equipped for all those conditions.
The caddies have to keep the clubs and the player dry, as well as keeping on top of yardages, the wind direction and club selection.
From the moment a player arrives at the car park, the caddie has to make sure all his employer’s needs are taken care of, and the player can focus solely on his golf.
There is a real skill to this and the best caddies make it look easy.
A caddie is much more than a bagman. They are part-friend, confidant and psychologist and they need to be very thick-skinned.
Many players now refer in interviews to “we” because they think of themselves and their caddie as a team, like Danny Willett.
It was odd watching Phil Mickelson struggle so badly at Birkdale, while his old caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay is here working for US television.
Their gain is very much Phil’s loss. Mickelson and Bones won five Majors and were together for 25 years – that’s longer than many marriages!
I can’t help thinking that in such a challenging event, Mickelson will have missed Bones’ expertise.
Remember they talked through every shot, and while Mickelson now has his brother, Tim, doing the job, it won’t be the same.
The final round of The Open is a huge day, and the caddies of the leading players will be feeling nervous today, as well as their charges.
They know they’re under the spotlight too, and they don’t want to make a mistake.
Just remember when Ian Woosnam and caddie Miles Byrne forgot to spot there was a 15th club in the bag at Royal Lytham in 2001.
If they can keep their man feeling calm at times or exude positivity when required, they will be performing a vital role.
And one which will end with a handsome cheque for a good job well done.