Justin Thomas is one of several PGA Tour pros who have multiple majors under their belts but have yet to win the prestigious green jacket at the Masters. If the Georgia native is going to change that in 2024, it's going to be with a different man on the bag.
For those that have followed along with Thomas in recent years, he has been accompanied by one of the most respected caddies in the game, Jim 'Bones' Mackay. The caddie was Phil Mickelson's longtime partner before the pair parted ways after 25 years together in 2021.
The 2024 Masters marks Thomas' ninth trip to Augusta National. He has historically performed well at the major, making the cut seven times. However, last year's showing was his worst, as Thomas failed to make the weekend cut at the 2023 Masters.
MORE: Follow live scores, updates from the 2024 Masters
So why did Thomas and Mackay split, and who is on the bag for the Georgian at the 2024 Masters?
Why did Justin Thomas split with caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay?
On April 3, Thomas announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he and Mackay were splitting ahead of the 2024 Masters.
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 3, 2024
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 3, 2024
"While incredibly difficult for me to say, Bones and I have parted ways," Thomas wrote in the statement. "I'm going to be forever thankful for him joining me on the bag in 2021. The things we've been able to accomplish together -- the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups were all unforgettable experiences. His wisdom on and off the course has been a blessing during a tough stretch of my career, and he was there every step of the way.
"I know there are great things coming for both of us down the road. I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family amongst my friends."
Thomas did not specifically say why the two had agreed to go their separate ways. However, the split does come during a time when Thomas has struggled on the course.
The two-time PGA Championship winner is coming off a rocky 2023 season. He finished tied for 65th at PGA Championship and missed the cut at the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
Thomas appeared to find his footing to start 2024, securing four top-five finishes in his first five starts. However, he missed the cut at The Players Championship, and followed that with a T-65th placement at the Valspar Championship.
At the time, Thomas did not name a replacement for Mackey. He also was not in the field at the Texas Valero Open, the last event before the Masters, meaning Augusta National will be the first sight of Thomas' new caddie.
Who is Justin Thomas' caddie at the 2024 Masters?
Thomas' caddie for the 2024 Masters is Matt Minister.
Minister was most recently the caddie for Patrick Cantlay. A veteran of the sport, he also has been on the bag for the likes of Sangmoon Bae, Nick Price, and Chip Price.
Cantlay and Minister parted ways in 2023, shortly before Cantlay elected to bring Joe LaCava, Tiger Woods' former caddie.
