Newz Forum: GOLF: Phil Mickelson wins his first Major

Phil Mickelson produced a dramatic birdie three at the final hole to win the US Masters at Augusta by a stroke from Ernie Els and end his long wait for a first Major title.

The popular American carded a three-under-par final round to pip South Africa's Ernie Els by one shot.Mickelson, who had played in 46 majors without victory, had trailed Els by as many as three shots on Sunday but stormed home in 31 shots to steal it. KJ Choi claimed third after an eventful round, while Sergio Garcia and Bernhard Langer tied for fifth. Paul Casey was Britain's highest finisher after a final round of 74 gave him a two-under-par total and a share of sixth place. Also finishing on two under were American quartet Davis Love III, Fred Couples, Chris DiMarco and Kirk Triplett, Zimbabwe's Nick Price and Fiji's Vijay Singh.

Mickelson, who had had to live with 17 top-10 finishes in the majors without a victory, captured the Masters at Augusta by a stroke from Ernie Els in as thrilling a fashion as the tournament has produced. And that is saying something.Els has now finished second, sixth, fifth, sixth and second at Augusta in the last five years.