Masters 2012: Phil Mickelson's Experience Gives Him Advantage in Final Weekend

There are 18 golfers within three strokes of the lead, but only Phil Mickelson has won three Masters championships.

Unlike other majors, this tournament takes place in the same spot every year.

Every spring, the best golfers in the world come to Augusta, Georgia in hopes of winning one of the most prestigious events in sports.

As good as some of the other competitors in the field are, few have had anywhere near the success that Mickelson has had on this course in his career.

Not only has the lefty won the green jacket in 2004, 2006 and 2010, but he rarely even struggles at this event.

From 1999 to 2006, he finished in the Top 10 every single year. In his career, Mickelson has totaled 11 Top-10 finishes.

This will help him from a physical standpoint, allowing him to better read the fairways and greens.

More importantly, he has a mental advantage over most of the other competitors in the field.

Every player on tour is capable of great shots, but the ones who win major tournaments are golfers who can focus when the pressure rises.

Rory McIlroy could not handle that pressure last year and turned his Sunday lead into a final-round 80.

Mickelson knows what it takes to win and other golfers will take notice if his name starts climbing the leaderboards. 

After a terrible first 29 holes, he finally is starting to get back on track.

With only three strokes to make up, do not be surprised if Mickelson is on top when all is said and done.