The revolving door for the lead analyst position at NBC Sports continues to go round and round.
The network will have Jim “Bones” McKay in its booth this week at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, presented by Golfweek. first reported.
McKay is currently working full-time with Justin Thomas, making this the first time an active caddy has served as the caster for a PGA Tour event. He joins Thomas’ bag starting in 2021, which also includes Thomas’ 2022 PGA Championship win at Southern Hills.
But Mr. McKay is no stranger to broadcasting.
He served as an on-course reporter for NBC and the Golf Channel from 2017 to 2021, in between stints caddying for Phil Mickelson and Thomas.
During that time, McKay received tremendous praise for his knowledge and insight, giving golf fans and viewers a perspective not often heard.
I’m sure many fans will welcome McKay’s return with open arms.
For Thursday’s opening round of the Mexican Open, McKay will return to his old role as on-course reporter, walking the course with a group of high-profile players. McKay will then be in the booth with host Dan Hicks and veteran Brad Faxon during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday telecasts.
NBC Sports has had a number of talents fill the void left by Paul Azinger, who left the network after the Ryder Cup.
At the Sentry and WM Phoenix Open, PGA Tour fan favorite Kevin Kisner sat in the lead analyst chair alongside host Dan Hicks. His calm, engaging demeanor and great sense of humor served him well on the air.
Brandel Chamblee also joined the fray as lead analyst for American Express, with amateur Nick Dunlap taking the title.
Paul McGinley and Kurt Byrum are also in the seats, offering their incredible expertise to NBC viewers.
However, McKay’s role at NBC Sports won’t last long. With Justin Thomas taking a week off, McKay had some free time in his schedule and decided to help out his former employer. All signs point to this being live for a week.
This in itself is not necessarily new. McKay also contributed at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship last year.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
