Bones Trades in the Bag for a Microphone

The Golf Channel announced today that Jim “Bones” Mackay inked a multiyear deal to be an on-course reporter. Mackay will officially begin his second career at The Open at Royal Birkdale later this year. He will be the first, full-time PGA Tour caddie to take on a broadcasting role.

Along with The Open, the 52-year old, now former caddie, will cover the Presidents Cup and the FedExCup playoffs.

“To…be a part of the coverage of some of golf’s biggest events – starting with The Open – is an opportunity I’m grateful for, and I’m eager to add my take to help illustrate the strategic decisions golfers face inside the ropes.” – Jim Mackay

This isn’t Bones’ first go-round as an on-course reporter. He covered the 2015 RSM Classic.

This is a great “get” for the golf channel. Not only does he come with the obvious credentials, but Bones will also help infuse some freshness and new perspective into what has become a rather stale stable of broadcasters.

My advice to Golf Channel, let Bones do his thing. Give him whatever time he needs to talk through what a golfer is thinking on particular shots. If that means taking time away from Roger Maltbie telling me the same thing over and over again (“it’s a pretty good lie/it’s not a great lie”), so be it.

Cover Image via YouTube