2010 Masters: Lee Westwood Leads with Phil Mickelson and Woods Not Far behind

 

Lee Westwood, who has finished third place in his last two major championships, looks to capture his first Green Jacket and first major on Sunday as he holds a narrow lead over Phil Mickelson.

As he walked to the par-five 13th during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National, Phil Mickelson nodded to the crowd having gone seven-under over the first 48 holes.

At this point, he was four behind Lee Westwood, clumped together with the likes of Tiger Woods, and K.J. Choi.

The 13th is 505 yards and had been a favorable hole for the golfers so far in the tournament.

It certainly was for Mickelson, who speared a drive into the heart of the fairway and crushed a second-shot to within eight feet. A very accomplished putter, he sank it for eagle, starting a string of holes that wowed the crowd, increased his confidence exponentially and put the pressure on Westwood.

On the 14th, a par-four 440 yard hole, he continued his superb accuracy off the tee, splitting the fairway. He had only 139 yards to reach the pin, and he was sure to hit it all 139.

He struck a nine-iron to within six feet, and used backspin perfectly, as the shot sped to the left and into the hole, fueling a roar from the gallery and a look of utter bewilderment from Lefty.

Two eagles in a row, joining Dan Pohl (1992) and Dustin Johnson (2009) as the only three to do so in the Masters. In the span of 25 minutes he had gone from four down into a tie with Westwood.

He would have a chance for three-straight eagles, too. His second shot on the par-four 15th came within six inches of going in. He, who was beaming amidst cheers from the crowd as he walked to the green, could tap in for a birdie.

Five strokes gained in three holes, and the lead was his. What a half-hour of golf!

He finally showed he was mortal, parring the par-three 16th, stumbling with a three-putt bogey in 17, and converting a nice up-and-down par on the par-five 18th for a five-under third round.

Westwood’s birdie on 15 gave him the lead back heading into Sunday’s action thanks to Mickelson’s hiccup on 17.

While Mickelson had a day to remember, Woods was as tumultuous as possible. He had seven birdies–three coming consecutively on the same stretch of the back-nine Mickelson excelled–but also had five bogeys.

His demeanor didn’t suggest he shot -2 for the round, as his body-language was lacking confidence. Also, he consistently cursed himself, clearly disappointed by his play. But he hit solid approach shots, smoked drives, and rolled in his fair share putts.

He is only four shots back and, considering this is Tiger Woods, he shouldn’t be counted out by any means. Anything can happen on Sunday at Augusta.

Westwood, Mickelson, and Woods are the big names atop the leaderboard, but Choi is there as well, tying Woods’ at -8. Fifty-year old Fred Couples is only one shot behind Woods and Choi, playing a superb third-round that was highlighted by a long eagle on 15.

Many others are in contention as well. Hunter Mahan is one shot back of Couples after shooting a 68. Ricky Barnes, who birdied 13, 14, and 15, and Ian Poulter are at six-under as well. And Anthony Kim and Y.E. Yang are only shot back of that group.

Westwood is at the helm and runs the controls, looking to win his first major, but others will strive to rob him of that first, including Tiger, who has worn many a Green Jacket and won many a championship in his day.