Jim “Bones” Mackay’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million in 2026. One of the most respected figures in professional golf, he built his fortune not as a player but on the bag — spending a quarter-century as Phil Mickelson’s caddie before a successful move into television.
| Full Name | Jim “Bones” Mackay |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1965 |
| Age | 60 years old (2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | PGA Tour Caddie; Golf Analyst |
| Net Worth | ~$5 Million (2026) |
| Known For | Phil Mickelson’s caddie of 25 years; NBC analyst |
Walk Through the Article
How Jim Mackay Built a $5 Million Fortune
Mackay’s wealth is a testament to how lucrative the top end of caddying can be. Elite tour caddies earn a weekly base wage plus a percentage — typically 5-10% — of their player’s prize money, and as bagman for one of the game’s biggest stars for 25 years, Mackay shared in tens of millions of dollars in Mickelson’s winnings. His later broadcasting salary added a second, steadier income stream.
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Caddie earnings (% of winnings) | ~$500K-$1M/yr at peak | Annual (personal) |
| NBC / Golf Channel analyst salary | Undisclosed | Annual (personal) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$5 Million (2026) | |
25 Years on Phil Mickelson’s Bag
Mackay began working for Phil Mickelson in 1992, at the start of Mickelson’s professional career, and the pair stayed together for about 25 years — one of the longest and most successful player-caddie partnerships in golf history. Over that span Mickelson won multiple major championships with Mackay reading putts and clubbing shots beside him, making “Bones” a familiar and trusted presence at the very top of the game. The partnership ended amicably in 2017.
From the Bag to the Booth — and Back
After leaving Mickelson, Mackay joined NBC Sports and Golf Channel in 2017 as an on-course analyst, where his deep insider knowledge made him a natural fit. In September 2021 he returned to caddying, taking the bag for Justin Thomas until the pair parted ways in 2024. Remarkably, in 2024 he became the first full-time PGA Tour caddie to also sign on for a regular tournament broadcasting role — straddling both careers at once and cementing his standing as one of golf’s most recognisable non-players.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jim “Bones” Mackay
What is Jim “Bones” Mackay’s net worth in 2026?
Jim Mackay’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million in 2026, earned over decades as one of golf’s most successful caddies and, more recently, as a television analyst.
Who did Jim Mackay caddie for?
He was Phil Mickelson’s caddie for about 25 years, from 1992 until 2017, a partnership that included multiple major championship victories. He later caddied for Justin Thomas from 2021 to 2024.
How much does a top golf caddie earn?
Elite PGA Tour caddies like Mackay typically earn a base wage plus a percentage of the player’s winnings — often around 5-10% — which for a top player can total $500,000 to $1 million or more per year.
Is Jim Mackay a broadcaster?
Yes. He joined NBC Sports and Golf Channel as an on-course analyst in 2017, and in 2024 became the first full-time PGA Tour caddie to also sign a regular tournament broadcasting role.
Why is Jim Mackay called “Bones”?
The nickname “Bones” dates to his early caddying days and his lanky frame; it was popularised on tour by fellow players and has stuck throughout his career.
How old is Jim Mackay?
He was born on December 9, 1965, making him 60 years old in 2026.
