Last fall Justin Thomas was able to make a huge move for his career when he lured veteran caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay out of his TV job and into his new gig – carrying JT’s bag full-time on the PGA Tour.
Bones, of course, spent many years on Phil Mickelson’s bag and won five major championships with the legendary golfer who remained in hiding this week instead of defending his PGA Championship.
Thomas made that move hoping that Bones could help him win more major championships. And, well, so far that seems to be working out for him as Thomas won the PGA Championship in a playoff on Sunday to pick up the second major victory of his career.
Thomas trailed the leader by 7 shots after Saturday’s third round and it was easy for fans to think he wouldn’t be a factor in Sunday’s final round. So what helped him flip the switch?
Some inspiring words from his caddie. Thomas shared those words after his win:
JT said he wouldn’t have won without Bones giving him a talk on the range on Saturday night. Bones said, “You have to stop being so hard on yourself. You don’t have to be perfect. Keep staying positive so good stuff can happen.”
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) May 23, 2022
Yup, hiring Bones has been a great move for Thomas. Those words of advice from a guy who has been in so many big moments throughout the years sure helped and it’s a message we can all take something from.
Bones was emotional after the win:
"If I was ever going to caddy again, this was the time and without question this was the player."
Jim "Bones" MacKay said JT was the golfer he wanted to caddie for. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/yokJ8uYz7r
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 23, 2022
Bones poses with the caddie trophy. Says he’s got a place in mind where he will hang it. pic.twitter.com/jVxNwk6RbB
— Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) May 23, 2022
Twitter loved it:
Another reason to love Bones!
— Taylor McCutcheon (@Cutch_T) May 23, 2022
Negative thinking limits so many people so kudos to Bones for reinforcing that perfection isn't the goal. https://t.co/yM1ef3o6cM
— Mark McClellan (@M_McClellan) May 23, 2022
Valuable advice for everyone https://t.co/O0GswLdehJ
— Dalton Derthick, DPT, OCS, CSCS (@DaltronPrime) May 23, 2022
Caddies matter! Great quote! https://t.co/S3KaSO50WZ
— Matt Skeens (@MattSK) May 23, 2022
This is why Rory needs a vet bag man again.
— Kevin (@bouncepasshoops) May 23, 2022
— Josh Allen Rocks (@HugeBillsFan) May 23, 2022
spot on
— Mr_Puttle (@Mr_Puttle) May 23, 2022
Excellent advice.
— Chuck Harris (@charris815) May 23, 2022
— Brent Carter (@BCsports19) May 23, 2022