Mickelson’s hat-trick of Masters victories

PHIL Mickelson powered to his third Masters victory in seven years to leave Englishman Lee Westwood once again in the position as golf’s nearly man.

Champion at Augusta in 2004 and 2006 and with a US PGA title in between, Mickelson put a dreadful start to the season behind him to win by three shots from Westwood – with a 16 under par total of 272.

Westwood, unable to hold onto the last day lead, now has two third-placed finishes and a second from the last three majors.

A one under 71 was never likely to complete the job and, sure enough, Mickelson shot 67 and then went into one of the longest televised hugs with wife Amy.

No wonder. Last May Amy was told she has breast cancer and her battle goes on. This was her first visit to a tournament since the diagnosis.

On his win Mickelson said: “It feels incredible. I could go on and on, so many reasons why, and it’s the most amazing feeling.

“This has been a special day, something I will always cherish.

“It’s been a emotional year and I am very proud of my wife and the fight and struggle she has been through.

“This is one of the best things we have gone through in the last year. We’ve been through a lot. It’s been tough and to be on the other end and feel this kind of jubilation is incredible.”