AUGUSTA, Ga. — While the fireworks were exploding all over Augusta National in yesterday’s final round, Phil Mickelson quietly exited the competition with a 2-over-par 74 to finish well out of contention at 1-under par.
Mickelson failed to defend his Masters title and win his fourth Green Jacket because he never got any momentum going all week, particularly with the putter.
“It was out there,” Mickelson said. “But I struggled with the blade [putter] again today and it was a frustrating week. I love these greens and I usually putt them well, but I struggled all week.”
Mickelson came into the tournament fresh off his win in Houston, where he putted marvelously. That led him to believe he could carry the mojo into Masters week.
Mickelson entered yesterday at 3-under par and said he was still thinking he could make a run with a low score.
“I never feel like you’re out of it here,” he said. “I felt like if I could shoot something in the low 60s — 63 or 64 — you never know what can happen.”
Mickelson, who has a couple of family trips planned before he plays again at Quail Hollow in Charlotte and then the Players Championship, said he is encouraged about the state of his game.
“I’m excited about playing golf and finishing the year right,” he said. “I want to see if I can get some momentum going into the majors.”
**** South Africans now have won two of the last three majors, following Louis Oosthuizen winning the British Open at St. Andrews last July. This one came on the 50th anniversary of Gary Player becoming the first international player to win the Masters.
“I am absolutely delighted for Charl and South Africa. Congratulations and very well done to him. That is how you finish like a champion!” Player said on Twitter.
Things aren’t going quite as well for the Americans. This is the first time they have not held any of the four majors or the Ryder Cup.
**** Bo Van Pelt nearly completed a magical Sunday, carding two eagles on the back nine (Nos. 13 and 15) to get himself to 10-under par and within a shot of the lead. But he bogeyed 16 and 17 to fall out of contention.
**** After a spirited Saturday dash into contention, Lee Westwood was unable to make a run yesterday, shooting 70.
“Today was typical of the way I played all week,” Westwood said. “I played brilliant and just didn’t make any [putts]. To come close last year [runner-up] and I got myself in good shape this year and then to putt like this, it makes me feel like pulling my hair out.”
**** Sergio Garcia, who flirted with contention on Saturday, closed out this Masters with an uneventful 73 and was never a factor.
“Well, a little bit of a shame,” Garcia said. “I putted horribly. There were some positive things, but unfortunately it’s easy to think about negative things on this course and that’s the way it was throughout the weekend.”
**** Japanese youngster Ryo Ishikawa finished 3-under par after shooting 70 and said the tournament took a toll on him.
“I felt like I was running a marathon,” he said. “It was a long run and I was exhausted. I think this was probably the best experience in the majors. The next time, I would like to start [the final round] about two hours later.”
**** Luke Donald came close to ending the Par-3 jinx. No player has ever won the Wednesday Par-3 Contest and gone on to win the Masters. Donald finished 10-under after chipping in for birdie on 18.
When it was suggested that he make sure he doesn’t win the Par-3 next year, Donald said, “No, I’m still going to go for the double.”