Phil Mickelson recruits brother as caddie during WGC-Mexico

Phil Mickelson was forced to change his caddie mid-round during day two of the WGC-Mexico Championship.

Jim "Bones" Mackay lasted just three holes before having to leave the course due to a stomach virus, which has affected several players at Chapultepec Golf Club.

Fortunately for Mickelson, his brother Tim had been alerted to the problem and was on hand to take over on the bag for his sibling.

Mickelson mixed four birdies with a solitary bogey to card a three-under 68 in Mexico City, seeing him head in to the weekend as part of a three-way tie for second.

"He's irreplaceable, he's one of the best in the business," Mickelson said of Mackay. "He's so good at club selection and here at altitude that's where he is invaluable, but he's hurting.

"But on the positive side I had a lot of fun with my brother. He's a good player in his own right, a scratch player who understands the game and has caddied for many top players.

"He does give me the needle but I think that's so funny and keeps me relaxed. He has a few stories about me that I wish he didn't which can be challenging, but he's fun to be around."