Augusta came to life today in one of the most exciting finishes in history when Phil Mickelson won the tournement with a birdie putt on the 18th hole. It was Mickelson's first "major" win, although he has captured 22 PGA Tour victories.

Coming into the back nine at Augusta, Ernie Els was clearly the man to beat -- if anybody could. While playing a spectacular game including two eagles, Els was clearly in control of the situation. Mickelson, however, started to climb in the back nine with three consectutive birdies, moving him to one stroke behind leader Els. Mickleson caught Els on the 16th hole at Augusta National with another birdie and on the 18th hole the game was Mickleson's to lose.

Mickleson chose a conservative path to the 18th hole, using a 3-wood off the tee to avoid the bunkers. His approach shot landed behind the hole and he ended with a clean one-shot on the putt. Mickleson won the Masters.