Jim “Bones” McKay on course management, preparation, and the 2004 Masters
Watch as VICE spends a day on the course with Phil Mickelson’s caddie, Jim Mackay, who’s better known as “Bones.” Mackay has been on Phil’s bag since 1992, and has looped for him in each of his five major victories.
Mackay discusses course management, growing up as a golf geek, Phil’s famous 2004 Masters victory, forgetting food and leaving Phil hungry, and how to rake a bunker. He also calls Caddyshack the best, and the worst golf movie of all time.
Bones doesn’t have a bad move for a looper, either. What do you think?
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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Zach Mayo
Oct 24, 2016 at 5:46 pm
More of these PLEASE !!!
Ronald Montesano
Oct 24, 2016 at 6:12 am
This is so well done. When an interview leaves you wanting part two, it is excellent. So, how about part two? A little more on Phil, a little more on the things that amateur golfers miss, that a caddy could save them five strokes a round on? The truth is out there!!
Vito
Oct 23, 2016 at 12:57 pm
“The worst golf movie of all time is caddyshack 2.” not too. Because well, caddyshack 2 was terrible…
DD
Oct 22, 2016 at 4:29 pm
VICE is set to take over the world.