Mickey’s blue eyes shine at Augusta as Woods’ return is overshadowed

Phil Mickelson claimed his third Masters Green Jacket following an exhilarating final round at Augusta yesterday. The 39 year old managed to pass Third Round leader Lee Westwood, who was aiming to win his first major title, following a final round of 67 to finish 16 under par. Mickelson finished three points ahead of Westwood, who has now finished second, third and third in his last three major tournaments. Fred Couples, champion in 1992, was a favourite with the Augusta crowd, but he was only able to finish in sixth place having been two shots of the lead. Mickelson had been one shot adrift of Westwood at the start of the final round, but he moved in front of the leader following a birdie on the 12th, before moving three ahead at the 15th. Westwood was able to narrow the gap to two courtesy of a birdie at the 17th, but he could only par the final hole as Mickelson finished with a birdie to claim victory. Mickelson joins Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Nick Faldo and Gary Player on three Masters titles, behind only Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer on four and Jack Nicklaus, winner of an unprecedented six Masters tournaments. Mickelson was understandably delighted with his triumph, having endured a difficult year, with both his mother and wife Amy having contracted breast cancer. He dedicated the victory to the both of them, hailing it as “one of the best things we’ve gone through”. Mickelson admitted that he had worried about whether or not his wife would be able to make it to the course, but his pleasure at seeing Amy was evident. "It's been a difficult year, and to come out on top in this tournament is very emotional”, said Mickelson, who added “to come out the other end and feel the jubilation is incredible”. Lee Westwood meanwhile set his sights firmly on securing a major triumph, commenting “one of these days the door's going to open for me. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing”. Tiger Woods, on his return to golf after a period of five months out following various revelations about his private life, was disappointed with his final placing, saying “I finished fourth. It's not what I wanted. I wanted to win and as this week went on I played worse.” Woods looks set to take another break from golf, stating his desire to re-evaluate the future direction of his career. For Lee Westwood, the supportive claims of his fellow professionals that it will be only a matter of time until the Englishman claims his first major title will provide scant consolation, and despite his positivity, yesterday’s runner-up would be excused for asking if his time will ever come.