Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay Reveals High Cost of Being a Caddie

Jim "Bones" Mackay shed light on the substantial costs that caddies face while pursuing their profession. The lifelong caddie for Phil Mickelson and Justin Thomas explained that caddies must cover their own expenses, with the average annual cost ranging between $40,000 and $50,000. With no long-term contracts, caddies work on a week-to-week basis, despite some dedicated individuals spending over a decade with a player.

Mackay emphasized the significant influence certain caddies have over their players, citing Scottie Scheffler and Ted Scott as an example. The duo's on-course decisions are heavily guided by one another, showcasing the strong partnership between top golfers and their caddies.

Although Mackay did not disclose the exact earnings of PGA Tour caddies, he mentioned that their weekly pay typically falls between $1,500 and $3,000, escalating to $2,000-$4,000 during high-profile events such as The Masters. Performance bonuses, which include 10% of their golfer's winnings, 7% for a top-10 finish, and 5% for other achievements, can result in substantial income. For instance, when Scott Scheffler won the $3.6 million first prize at The Masters in 2021, his caddie, Scott, earned $360,000 in bonuses alone.

Mackay also discussed recent changes to Medinah Country Club, the site of the 2019 BMW Championship. The course has undergone a substantial restoration, overseen by Geoff Ogilvy, the captain of the international team. The transformation includes the removal of numerous trees, resulting in a markedly different layout and play style.