Phil Mickelson found himself having to call on his brother to carry the clubs after regular caddy Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay became the latest to succumb to food poisoning at the WGC – Mexico Championship.

‘Bones’ lasted just three holes and clearly looked in plenty of discomfort even before Mickelson teed-off on day two in the $US 9.75m event in Mexico City.

Fortunately, Mickelson’s brother Tim was in the crowd who is not only a decent player but if a former college coach turned player manager, and is in Mexico with client, Jon Rahm.

It was the first occasion since the 1999 WGC – Amex Championship at Valderrama in Spain that ‘Bones’ has not caddied for Mickelson for all 18 holes.

Phil Mickelson’s caddy Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay who was forced to withdraw with a stomach bug on day two of the WGC – Mexico Championship. (Photo – PGA Tour)

And the combination of the two Mickelson’s gelled superbly with Mickelson grabbing the early clubhouse lead in birding two of his closing three holes in a three-under par 68 for a seven under par tally.

“Bones is irreplaceable and he’s so good at club selection, and here at altitude that is where he is so invaluable but at the moment he’s hurting,” said Mickelson.

“It is a difficult course to walk and it is hilly, and he also had two knees done on the off-season but that’s not the issue as he has just not been feeling well.

“But on the positive side I had a lot of fun with my brother carrying the clubs as he’s so much fun to be around, and he did a great job today.

“He’s a good player in his own right.  He’s a scratch player and understands the game and has caddied for many great players and as Jon Rahm’s manager he fully understands the game.

“So, he did a phenomenal job.”

Russell Know was at the opposite end of the leader board at five over par with rounds of 71 and a second day 76 that included three birdies but double the number of bogeys.

And defending champion Adam Scott was another struggling with scores of 73 and 76 and two further back of Knox.