NBC/Golf Channel has signed Jim Mackay to a multiyear deal "as an on-course reporter," and Phil Mickelson's long-time caddie will "debut at The Open Championship and work the FedEx Cup Playoffs and the Presidents Cup," according to sources cited by Tim Rosaforte of GOLF DIGEST. Mackay said, "People have been nice enough over the years to say something to me about how they thought (broadcasting) was something maybe I could do at some point in my life." Mackay and Mickelson parted ways last month after 25 years together, and Mackay said, "When Phil and I split, I got several phone calls, and it became a bigger opportunity, really seriously, the last few weeks." Rosaforte notes Mackay does have some broadcasting experience, as he and fellow caddie John Wood were "part of the Golf Channel and NBC coverage of the 2015 RSM Classic." Mackay can also still "do some caddieing while also broadcasting." He said that he has gotten "calls from several golfers" about working the bag. Mackay: "I'm going to be working 20-odd weeks a year. I think being a caddie is always going to be in [my] blood, but right now it's one thing at a time" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 7/6). GOLFWEEK's Kevin Casey writes the move is a "bit of a surprise in one way, as Mackay is renowned in the caddie yard." Mackay has "earned distinction as one of the most respected loopers in the game." He is the first "full-time PGA Tour caddie to earn this type of role." However, the "overheard conversations via microphone on broadcasts between Mickelson and Mackay have been a delight over the years," and Mackay has "been thought of as someone who would flourish on a golf broadcast" (GOLFWEEK.com, 7/6). Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner tweeted Mackay is "gonna kill it. ... Now all we need is for Phil to get into the hunt at Birkdale and Bones to be assigned to his group." Golfer Curtis Strange, who serves as an on-course reporter for Fox' golf broadcasts, tweeted, "Congratulations to both parties. Bones will be terrific. Understands the game."
