Phil Mickelson has been joined by his brother Tim on the back for the past eight years, but the caddie has decided to walk away from the role just weeks before the Masters

Phil Mickelson is on the hunt for a new caddie just two weeks before the beginning of the Masters, after splitting with his brother Tim after eight years working alongside each other.

Mickelson took to social media on Tuesday to confirm the news, releasing an emotional statement in tribute to his brother’s efforts. “I’ve had some great accomplishments in my career and getting to share them with my brother Tim has been beyond special,” he wrote.

“I’m very lucky to have had him on the bag for me the past eight years and as my brother for life. So much has changed since he was single and we started working together.

“He’s found his life partner, Maranda, they’ve had their second son, and hopefully their family will continue to grow. While Tim is retiring from caddying, I’ll always cherish the many great moments we’ve shared on the course and I look forward to many more special moments off the course too.”

The pair enjoyed many a successful moment together on the course, with Mickelson winning three times with Tim on the bag. The most memorable came in May 2021, when the American became the oldest champion in major history, prevailing at the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island. Speaking after their victory three years ago, the caddie said: “This is obviously awesome.

“Any win is special, but to win a major championship at this stage of his career, I definitely teared up for the first time since caddying for him four and a half years ago.” Heaping praise on his brother’s ability to become a major champion at 50, Tim added: “His will and desire to win now is as high as it’s ever been in my opinion.

“Certainly, it’s probably higher than when I started caddying for him. He’s the same guy he was when he went to college as it relates to the enjoyment factor of playing golf and competing. He just loves to compete. Obviously at the highest level like this is what he loves to do, but he loves doing it at home, too, even if he’s playing with four handicaps, five handicaps, whatever it is.

“He just loves to compete against people in golf.” Tim has remained by the side of his sibling following his decision to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf a year after his sixth major triumph. Moving forward though, Mickelson will now be on the hunt for a new sidekick with LIV Miami taking place next week, and the Masters at Augusta National coming just a week later.

Mickelson is one of 14 members from the breakaway circuit heading to the opening major of the year, with the league’s representation reduced due to their lack of Official World Golf Ranking recognition. Alongside Mickelson, the likes of Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka will compete, as well as defending champion Jon Rahm.