But it didn't start out that way. Mickelson opened 2010 slowly, and going into The Masters many golf observers were wondering what was wrong with Phil. Answer: Nothing at all.
Taking advantage of the wider fairways and greater opportunities for recovery offered at Augusta National Golf Club, and relying on his own spectacular short game and a good week on the greens, Mickelson won the 2010 Masters by three over Lee Westwood.
Two things stand out about Mickelson's victory. One is the three-hole stretch in the third round, holes 13 through 15, in which Mickelson went eagle-eagle-birdie. The second is the approach to the par-5 13th that Mickelson played in the final round. Out of the trees, and off of the pine straw, Mickelson somehow got the ball to within several feet of the cup. He missed the eagle putt, but made birdie and went on to victory.
Mickelson also played through all of the hubbub regarding Tiger Woods' return to golf at this Masters, in addition to dealing with the emotions of having both his wife and mother undergoing cancer treatments. A great win for Phil, to be sure - his third in The Masters and his fourth major overall.
Top 5 at the 2010 Masters
Phil Mickelson, 67-71-67-67--272
Lee Westwood, 67-69-68-71--275
Anthony Kim, 68-70-73-65--276
K.J. Choi, 67-71-70-69--277
Tiger Woods, 68-70-70-69--277
See also: Photos from Mickelson's 2010 win
