It's hard to say whether Spieth would've enjoyed more success with Bones on his bag versus Greller. But two things are very much apparent: Bones has caddied for 25 years on tour and has much more knowledge regarding both the proper misses and the green-reading aspects than Greller.

Given Speith's putting prowess over the years, and given his need for both him and his caddie to be functioning at a very high level for him to win - Bones (I think) would be a difference-maker going forward.

And given Bones' admitted appreciation and respect for Jordan's talent over the years, it would just seem like a very good partnership all the way around.

Whether Spieth is the type of player who would dump a close friend for a more seasoned caddie? He doesn't strike me as the type who would do that. Greller is where he is primarily because of his friendship with Jordan, more so than his technical expertise as a caddie. Greller (imo) isn't that great of a caddie. He most always refers to Jordan regarding club selection and target selection... Jordan's talent (particularly back in the early part of his career) has made Greller look a lot more competent than he really is, imo.

But I would be shocked to see Spieth dump Greller nevertheless. Which, imo, speaks volumes as it relates to him appreciating those who've stood in his corner, despite his own level of play in major championships in recent years.

But do I think Bones would give him a huge boost of confidence? Absolutely.

Phil and Bones were a great act. My enjoyment of golf on TV is mostly watching Phil the thrill. I often think of Bones as a guy talking someone off a ledge.
It's been a wonderful association that has provided entertainment, excitement and excellence like no others. I will miss it.

It would be interesting to see some stats on how successful long time caddy breakups improve the game of the golfer. I know there are other factors involved but the Tiger/Stevie split didn't seem to improve Tiger's situation. Perhaps Stevie suggesting that Elin use a 9 iron was ill advised.

    Rickochet

    I think one of the biggest regrets that Joey LaCava has is taking Tiger's bag. Unless, of course, he wanted to be able to say that he caddied for one of the all-time greats. I still think LaCava has a few years left in him as a looper, and I dare say he could still be a huge advantage on the bag for any number of promising young players today (Justin Thomas, Spieth, DJ, etc.)

    As for Bones... the same obviously applies, but he made a lot of money with Phil and it's not a given that he wants to continue looping, especially given his double-knee replacement surgery. I guess we'll see.

    But as it relates to the modern-day caddies... Stevie Williams, Bones, LaCava and Fluff Cowen have enjoyed an enormous amount of fanfare. Not sure anyone, outside of Rory's caddie perhaps, that has enjoyed as much success in this modern era.

    We give all these players their due credit for performing at a high level, but there's no denying that their caddies have played a significant role in their success.

      12 days later

      Spuzz

      I think he'll do a fine job. Very few people, players included, know these courses like Bones does. He's spent the past 25+ years walking them 4-5 times per week.

      I wish him well, seems like a nice fella.

          Good for him...nice to slow down some as u get older but still be able to do something u have a passion for.

          sdandrea1

          According to PGA Tour dot com, Phil has pocketed over $83 million in earned money alone up until this current season, which obviously doesn't include sponsorship revenues. That's averaging $3.32 million per year in on-course earnings alone.

          So if Bones is getting the basic standard of 10% and nothing else - that's over $300k/year, which equals nearly $8.5 million during that time.

          The big question is (if) Phil covered most of his expenses during this time, which could reasonably be assumed. It's not like Phil's ever had a season where he was hurting for money, and (unlike someone else (cough - Tiger) ) has always seemed fairly generous regarding tips, compensation, etc.

          And, if that assumption is correct - that's pretty good pay, especially considering that for part of that time early on - his earnings as a caddie put him ahead of some guys who eked their way into the top 125 money list at the end of the season. Of course, as purses increased over the years that would no longer be the case.

          I think Bones has made out pretty good. My wife has worked loyally and faithfully for her employer, 5 days per week, 50+ hours per day, for 27 years and her standard non-bonus annual salary is still shy of that mark. 😉

          I think he's in a pretty good position (if he managed his income wisely during that time) to retire or take on whatever second-career gig he wants.

          Whatever the case, I think Bones was a great acquisition for a network wanting some street cred. He'll undoubtedly struggle early on with finding his style, but here's the deal: if Gary McCord can manage a comfortable living doing this, Bones can.

            darpar

            Better than my $350k/year estimate. Bones has done quite well lugging around some luggage for Phil. Enough to consider other opportunities. Dude just had two knees replaced, so I'm guessing he'll definitely enjoy the better working conditions, despite the pay disparity.

                Who knows,maybe "Bones" will make more $$ now....it's not like Phil's been on a hot winning streak lately.
                I also think the knee replacements had a bearing on all of this....everybody I know who had that procedure
                slowed down a bunch in their ability to move around in the same manner as before surgery.

                PA-PLAYA I'm doubting there is a disparity, unless it is that he will be making more per yr. than he did with Phil. TGC did come after him, as I understood the conversation. I seriously doubt he's doing it for less.

                Also, I've read that caddy pay is 8% and 10% on wins only. That may be just the LPGA, not sure.