The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: Deeper Dives, Jim “Bones” Mackay
Date: March 31, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick | iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Featured Guest: Jim "Bones" Mackay, NBC Sports On-Course Reporter, Former Caddy
Episode Overview
This hour delves deep into timely sports topics with a particular focus on golf as the Masters approaches. Dan and the Danettes examine Tiger Woods’ potential appearance at Augusta amid recent personal revelations, unpack a high-profile college basketball incident involving Dan Hurley, debate the NBA MVP race, and host an engaging interview with legendary caddy Bones Mackay. The hour is marked by candid listener calls, humor, and insightful behind-the-scenes sports commentary.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tiger Woods’ Status for The Masters & Recent TMZ Report
- Dan opens by addressing speculation about whether Tiger Woods will appear at Augusta for the Masters, amid tight-lipped circles.
- TMZ Reports: Police found hydrocodone pills in Tiger's pocket following his vehicle accident; the situation is under scrutiny ([02:46], [22:28]).
- Discussion on Tiger’s struggles with injury and pain management, and the questions about his presence at the Masters or the Champion’s Dinner.
Notable Quote
"He does have a golf project that he is heading up his design company and he's also expected to be or a hope he'll be at the champions dinner as well."
— Dan Patrick ([02:46])
2. College Basketball: Dan Hurley’s “Incident” with Referee Roger Ayers
- Recent emotional exchange between UConn coach Dan Hurley and referee Roger Ayers is dissected.
- Sports Info office confirms it was a clock-checking moment in a chaotic arena, not necessarily a major altercation.
- Poll results: Most listeners don't view it as a big deal ([07:09], [07:21]).
Notable Quote
"You just had one of the greatest moments of your coaching career, one of the greatest moments in March Madness history. And I don't know why in that moment there would be any kind of confrontation."
— Dan Patrick ([06:34])
3. Listener Calls: Reactions & Broader Sports Talk
- Fred (SC): Questions Hurley–Ayers situation; notes on men’s and women’s March Madness, UConn’s dual success ([08:33]).
- Matt (NC): Defends Roger Ayers, emphasizes emotional intensity post-iconic play ([10:04]).
- Red (GA): Praises Hurley’s energy; pivots to NBA, specifically Luka Doncic’s defensive role ([11:05]).
- Rhonda (TX): Shares stat of the day on Victor Wembanyama’s historic double-double and floats potential Vegas NBA team names ([48:51]).
4. The NBA MVP Race & Defensive Value
- Dan, Reggie Miller, and the Danettes debate how much defense should factor into MVP conversations.
- Heavy focus on Victor Wembanyama’s two-way dominance—statistical leap and projected future MVP/Defensive Player of the Year.
- Dan laments the inconsistent application of “two-way” expectations in MVP arguments ([12:08], [15:20]).
Notable Quote
"If we're talking about both ends of the floor, then give Wimby the MVP... he's an A+ on the defensive end. And let's say he's an A- on the offensive end. Let's average this out."
— Dan Patrick ([12:15])
"The Joel Embiid MVP award is aging like milk."
— Reggie Miller ([14:21])
5. Interview: Jim “Bones” Mackay on Caddie Life, Phil, Tiger & The Masters
Starts: [23:21]
Highlights:
- Miles Walked: Bones estimates he’s walked around the globe twice as a caddy.
- On Phil Mickelson: Expects Phil to play the Masters; characterizes Phil as perpetually competitive ([24:21]).
- Caddie Prep for Augusta: Caddies can only access the course with their player on-site; players can prep as much as they want, but there are limitations for caddies ([25:24]).
- Masters App: Lauds the comprehensive new AI features, including a vault of historical Masters content ([26:18]).
- Augusta’s Topography: Discusses the deceptively hilly terrain and physical toll, especially relevant for Tiger ([27:00]).
- Tiger Woods Outlook: Hopes Tiger comes for the Champion’s Dinner; unsure if he’ll be able to play given recent events ([27:54]).
- Phil–Tiger Rivalry: Acknowledges a bit of caddie rivalry, but emphasizes focus on the job ([28:27]).
- Comparing Greats: Scotty Scheffler is the only player in Bones’ lifetime approaching Tiger’s early-career dominance ([30:17]).
- Signature Caddie Moment: 2010 Masters, No. 13 at Augusta—back-and-forth with Phil before his memorable shot out of the pine trees ([30:55]).
Notable Quotes
“He told me I’d walked around the globe twice with a golf bag on my back.”
— Bones Mackay ([23:29])
"Phil’s a guy that would think he could win the Masters into his 60s. So it’s just the way he’s built."
— Bones Mackay ([24:21])
“Scotty Scheffler... Is he as good as Tiger? No, he's not. Tiger is by far the best player I've ever seen, but I didn’t think I’d see another player this good.”
— Bones Mackay ([30:27])
6. World Cup Odds & Fun Segments
- Early odds: Spain (favorite), followed by England, France, Argentina, Brazil. USA considered a long shot ([35:03]).
- Dan & the crew riff on hypotheticals—if American NBA athletes played soccer, who’d be top picks? ([36:52])
7. Addiction, Tiger Woods, and Honest Conversation
- Kyle, Caller: Shares his struggle with addiction, likening Tiger’s situation to personal battles with honesty and accountability ([37:34]), receives supportive commentary from Dan.
Notable Quote
“You have to take that personal accountability. You have to want the change... My prayers go out to Tiger and his family and everybody else that has to go through that.”
— Kyle (Caller) ([37:34])
- Dan reflects on honesty about addiction in Tiger’s life, his own family experiences, and the importance of accountability. Notes the apparent lack of judgment on Tiger’s part at the accident scene ([39:02]).
8. Caddie Partnership Philosophy & Humor
- Recalling caddy-player partnerships, Dan contrasts the "we" approach of Tiger's caddy Steve Williams vs. Bones’ humility (“Phil won; I didn’t win”), sparking banter among the crew ([32:53]).
Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps
-
"It's odd. I think we can all agree it's odd in that moment to have that kind of... Is it an engagement, an incident, a moment, a run in? I don't have no idea how to describe that."
— Dan Patrick ([07:38]) -
"James Harden didn't [play defense] either. Mike's the rare guy, the rare guy who was not a seven-footer who was playing defense, you know, at an A level. When you're MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, let that sink in."
— Dan Patrick ([12:15]) -
"I could have caddied for Tiger, I think, and he would have won a few majors. I just don't know if I could have carried the bag four days."
— Dan Patrick ([32:53])
Key Timestamps for Segments
| Time | Segment/Topic | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 02:46 | Opening – Tiger Woods, Masters speculation, Hurley talk | | 07:09 | Poll results on Tiger’s Masters presence, Hurley incident | | 08:33-11:36 | Callers: Hurley, March Madness, Luka’s defense | | 12:08-15:20 | MVP debate: Wemby, defense, historical comparisons | | 23:21-32:49 | Interview: Bones Mackay: Phil, Tiger, Masters, more | | 35:03-37:26 | Early World Cup odds, soccer banter | | 37:34-39:02 | Addiction conversation, Tiger Woods & accountability | | 48:51-50:04 | Rhonda: Stat of the day (Wemby), Vegas NBA team names |
Episode Tone & Takeaways
- Conversational, Knowledgeable, Empathetic: Dan balances probing analysis with insightful interviews and listener empathy regarding addiction and personal struggles.
- Candid & Humorous: The crew’s banter and quick-witted humor are ever-present, even amidst serious sports controversies.
- Listener-Focused & Inclusive: Fan input is highlighted and respected throughout.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode…
This hour provides a well-rounded conversation at the intersection of sports news, personal struggles of athletes, insider perspectives on what it’s like inside top-tier golf, and the evolving debates within basketball as the NBA winds toward MVP selections and the next postseason. The candid and personal takes make it more than just a recap—it’s a real look at the humanity behind the headlines.