KAPALUA, Hawaii – Jim “Bones� Mackay – the former long-time caddy to Phil Mickelson and now NBC and Golf Channel analyst – will carry the bag for FedExCup Champion Justin Thomas in his Sony Open title defense next week. Thomas’ regular caddie Jimmy Johnson succumbed to plantar fasciitis after two rounds at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua and has returned home for treatment, leaving an opening for next week at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. Mike Thomas – Justin’s father – took over duties in the third round at the Plantation Course where Thomas sits 30th through three rounds. “My legs are tired. Always nice to be able to do that with your son though,� Mike told GolfDigest.com. He will go out again with his son in the final round on Sunday in Maui before losing the job to Mackay next week. “Glad to. I’m dragging butt.� The last time Mackay worked on the PGA TOUR was the 2016 FedEx St. Jude Classic, the end of a 25-year run with Mickelson that yielded 42 TOUR wins and five majors. He has since been a successful on-course reporter. “I think the world of Justin and I’m looking forward to working with him,� Mackay said via Golf Channel. Thomas is coming off a five-win season, including his first major and the FedExCup. He has already won once this new season.
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