Jim Mackay appeared to be calm as Phil Mickelson (Stats | Bio) stood over the putt that would result in his first major victory.

The caddie took his place near the edge of the green, the flag from the 18th hole in one hand, one leg casually crossed over the other. It was as if the shot were of no importance. Mackay seemed to be that relaxed.

But by the time the putt fell into the cup and Mickelson had wrapped up the Masters Tournament, Mackay had already sprung into action. He quickly made up the distance between himself and Mickelson and hugged his boss, still grasping the flag that will be added to his family's collection.

"It's been a blast to watch this whole thing happen for him," Mackay said.

Mickelson's victory thrust Mackay into a position he usually tries to avoid.

Known as "Bones," he's personable, but likes to remain out of the spotlight, preferring to focus on the course and on helping Mickelson perfect his game and win tournaments.

Sunday, however, that was unavoidable. After Mickelson was presented with his first green jacket, Mackay was mobbed by media, golf officials, fans and friends.

He said he didn't offer much advice to Mickelson during the four rounds. Instead, he said he stood back and was content to watch as Mickelson dominated the back nine and captured the biggest victory of their 12 years together.

"I'm extremely, extremely lucky to work for a guy as classy and generous and fun to be around as he is," Mackay said. "He works so hard, and I'm so happy for him. It's been a blast to watch this whole thing happen for him. He hit shots and made putts. What can I say?"

Mickelson disagreed, giving more credit to Mackay than he was ready to place on himself. Mickelson said he and Mackay discussed plenty of shots, not only Sunday, but throughout all four rounds.

At some point during the revelry that engulfed him, Mackay managed to find a moment to phone his wife, Jennifer, who is expecting their first child and remained at their home in Scottsdale, Ariz. The call from the borrowed cell phone went unanswered, and Mickelson said that he and Mackay had been getting regular updates all weekend.

It's easy to see that they have more than an employee-boss relationship.

"It's been a very emotional week for both of us, him especially because he's expecting his first child," Mickelson said. "But as a team, and what he has gone through, the highs and lows with me for the last 12 years. I can't think of a better partner to have on or off the course than Jim Mackay."