Fickleson: A masterly shot,and a missed eagle putt

Phil Mickelson delivered a dazzling array of breath-taking shots en route to a third U.S. Masters title but his magical six-iron at the par-five 13th in Sundays final round will live longest in the memory.

Phil Mickelson delivered a dazzling array of breath-taking shots en route to a third U.S. Masters title but his magical six-iron at the par-five 13th in Sundays final round will live longest in the memory.

Facing a four-foot gap between two pine trees after a wayward drive,Mickelson conjured an audacious blow that propelled the ball 207 yards over the menacing water of Raes Creek to land softly three feet from the cup. Playing partner Lee Westwood could only shake his head in disbelief.

Its one of the few shots,really,that only Phil could pull off, Westwood said. Most people would have just chipped that one out. But great players pull off great shots at the right time.

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Mickelson,long known as Phil the Thrill for his spectacular and,at times,foolhardy shot-making,felt the risk-reward factor had been in his favour. Asked if caddie Jim Mackay had supported his decision,Mickelson replied: He didnt try to talk me out of it. I felt it was going to come out fine.

Mickelsons stunning stroke did not gain the reward it deserved as he surprisingly missed the three-footer for eagle before holing out for birdie from a similar distance coming back.