Mickelson holds on for third green jacket
12/04/10 09:00 AM
Phil Mickelson exorcised his demons and added himself to the golfing history books as he claimed his third Masters title by three shots at Augusta on Monday morning (AEST).

Mickelson overhauled leader and playing partner Lee Westwood and held his nerve after charges from KJ Choi and fast-finishing American Anthony Kim to win with a final-round 5-under 67.

The victory adds to Mickelson's Augusta triumphs in 2004 and 2006, joining the game's elite and fellow three-time winners Jimmy Demaret, Gary Player, Sam Snead and Nick Faldo.

The legendary Jack Nicklaus has won the Masters six times, with Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods claiming four green jackets each.

A remarkable approach shot amongst the trees on the par-five 13th setup the victory for the American.

Mickelson went on to birdie the hole, after also picking up a shot at the 12th, before riding the buffer home with birdies at 15 and 18 in his first bogey-free round for the tournament.

The birdie at the 18th capped off a emotional win for Mickelson, whose wife and mother were both diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 18 months.

Woods's rollercoaster few months came to a climax with another inconsistent round.

The world number one finished four shots off the pace after a fourth-round 69 which included two eagles, three birdies and five bogeys.

Kim was the late bolter, putting superbly to card a 7-under 65 and equalling the day's best from fellow American youngster Nick Watney.

Adam Scott was the best placed Australian, finishing 1-under over the four days with a final round 71.

Compatriot Nathan Green ended his first trip to Augusta on a high, joining American Ryan Moore in grabbing a hole in one on the 16th.

More to follow soon.

Source: ABC