he next talking head to take a seat in NBC Sports’ lead-analyst chair will set aside his golf clubs and caddie bib for at least one week. Jim “Bones” Mackay, caddie for Justin Thomas and former long-time looper for Phil Mickelson, will serve as lead TV analyst for this week’s Mexico Open at Vidanta.

Although NBC Sports has had a revolving door of lead analysts “try out” for the gig ever since Paul Azinger’s contract wasn’t renewed late last year, an NBC Sports spokesperson told GOLF.com that Mackay isn’t in consideration for the role. He’s simply helping out with Thomas taking the week off. (Golfweek first reported the news.)

According to NBC, Mackay will serve as on-course reporter for Thursday’s first round, and he’ll be a part of a three-person booth alongside Brad Faxon and Dan Hicks the final three rounds. This will be the first time an active caddie has sat in the lead-analyst chair, and while that seat will be new for Mackay, other parts of the gig won’t be. He was an on-course reporter for NBC Sports from 2017 to 2021, up until he left the role to caddie for Thomas full-time (he’s continued to dabble in some broadcasts since).

Loved by fans and not have a nickname? At least that’s not how it goes down in the golf world. From the animal kingdom to McDonald’s, golf fans can easily come up with one for their favorites, like ‘Golden Bear’ for Jack Nicklaus, ‘Lefty’ for Phil Mickelson, or ‘Wee-Mac’ for Rory McIlroy. Every golfer has one nickname, which is used by all to cheer them on

Well, it seems that Patrick Cantlay has been adorned with the same liberty more than once. From having the most common nickname to being associated with a TV character, the eight-time PGA Tour winner earned a new moniker. So what’s Cantlay called on the greens and more importantly, does he like the nickname?

It is not news that Patrick Cantlay is usually calm on the golf course. Whether he made a winning putt or lost in the playoffs, one may never see him react to any of the results. Now, couple that with a Cantlay who likes to joke around with his friends and exactly portrays Sheldon from Big Bang Theory. Well, that was one of his nicknames.

Phil Mickelson will delay retirement for as long as possible as the six-time major champion still harbours hopes of clinching the U.S. Open.

Mickelson’s dream is to win the U.S. Open and complete the career slam. He’s finished second at the event on six occasions while winning three Masters titles, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship.

Although he’s no longer qualifying via the rankings as LIV Golf stars don’t earn ranking points, Mickelson should still receive invites from Augusta, USPGA and The Open as a former winner. He should also get an invite to the U.S. Open after winning the USPGA at Kiawah Island in 2021, where he became the oldest major championship winner in history at the age of 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days.

The victory was crucial in terms of securing invites to the next few U.S. Open events too as winning a major gets Mickelson an invite to all four majors for the next five years. Amid rumours of his retirement once his current LIV Golf deal expires, Mickelson won’t walk away from golf just yet as he is still eyeing U.S. Open glory – and his heroics in 2021 prove he cannot be dismissed due to age.

After receiving a special exemption to play at the U.S. Open in 2021, Mickelson – who will also receive a special exemption for The Masters and PGA Championship for life as a former champion – said: “Winning the U.S. Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times.

“You can’t win if you don’t play. I’m honored and appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on.”