Phil Mickelson (R) of the U.S. receives the green jacket from his compatriot Tiger Woods after winning the 2006 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 9, 2006. REUTERS/Shaun Best

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Left-hander Phil Mickelson sealed his third major title and second green jacket with a two-shot victory in the U.S. Masters on Sunday.

One shot clear after the weather-hit third round was completed earlier in the day, the 35-year-old American fired a closing three-under-par 69 to finish on seven-under 281 in late afternoon sunshine at Augusta National.

Mickelson broke clear of a tightly bunched leaderboard with birdies on seven and eight and effectively secured his second Masters crown in three years by picking up further shots on 13 and 15.

He could afford to bogey the last, after missing the green to the left with his approach, before collecting his 29th PGA Tour title.

"It was a really fun day and I had an incredible time playing the final 18 holes," a smiling Mickelson told reporters after following up his 13-stroke victory at last week's BellSouth Classic in nearby Duluth.

"It's been a long day but a wonderful day and I will cherish that final round.

"The stress-free walk up 18 was incredible. It was a great feeling knowing that I had the tournament in hand.

"I'm having so much fun now competing for major championships," added the Californian, who ended a 12-year wait for a major breakthrough with a one-shot victory at the 2004 Masters.

SUCCESSIVE MAJORS

Winner of last year's U.S. PGA Championship at Baltusrol, Mickelson became the first player to clinch successive majors since Tiger Woods at the 2002 U.S. Open.

South African Tim Clark spectacularly holed out for a birdie-three from a greenside bunker at the last for a 69 which earned second place on 283.

Holder Woods, the world number one, had to settle for a share of third position, four birdies in the last six holes giving him a 70 and a four-under total of 284.

Level with Woods were Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, who shot a best-of-the-week 66, world number three Retief Goosen (69) and Americans Fred Couples (71) and Chad Campbell (71).

When Mickelson rolled in an eight-footer on 15 for his fourth birdie of the day, it put him four clear as his closest rivals repeatedly failed to take advantage of birdie opportunities.

Playing partner Couples was two strokes back after a birdie on 13 before he three-putted from four feet for a bogey-five on 14.

Couples, at 46 aiming to become the oldest Masters champion, was in excellent form from tee to green but missed several close-range putts as his victory hopes faded.

"My putting wasn't horrible but it was mediocre," said Couples, whose last PGA Tour victory came at the 2003 Houston Open.

"But I liked the way I played today and it was a lot of fun."

Twice former winner Olazabal reeled off five birdies and one bogey to race to the turn in four-under 32.

SUPERB SECOND

Masters champion in 1994 and 1999, the Spaniard then struck a superb second shot from 245 yards to three feet for an eagle on 15 to briefly join Couples in a tie for second.

Although he slipped back with a three-putt bogey at the par-three 16th, he parred the last two holes to finish at four under.

"I thought I needed to go six (under) to put pressure on these guys," Olazabal said. "When I three-putted 16, I tried to force the situation on 17 and 18 and made two pars in the end."

Woods, chasing a fifth green jacket, clawed his way into a share of second place with his third birdie of the day at the par-three 16th, but then bogeyed 17 before holing a 20-footer at the last.

Like Couples, the 30-year-old American was badly let down over the opening holes by his putter in his bid for an 11th career major.

"I hit it great today but I putted atrociously," said Woods. "I feel like breaking the putter into eight pieces. I didn't know what was going on."

Top of Page

Post an instant comment or a suggestion to the above article or news

Note: You can use the above link to form a new discussion forum, place your opinion and discuss events, politics, articles, environment, fashion, health, internet, search engines, marketing, movies, music, religion and any other topic.