Masters Leaderboard 2012: Phil Mickelson's Experience Will Be Deciding Factor

Phil Mickelson has already won three green jackets. Considering his position and the competition he's in contention with, he should capture a fourth today at Augusta.

Lefty is eight under going into the final day. That is one shot behind Peter Hanson, who shot a 65 on Saturday to give him a one-shot lead over Mickelson to end the third round.

Just one shot behind Mickelson is Louis Oosthuizen. He has been very consistent (68, 72 and 69) and is right in the thick of things at Augusta as well.

However, the difference between each of these three is Mickelson's huge advantage of experience. 

Hanson hasn't won any majors in his career, and he turned pro in 1998. He didn't make the cut at Augusta in 2011, so his place atop the Masters leaderboard is very surprising. Pitting him in a dogfight on the final day of the event against someone like Mickelson doesn't figure to bode well for Hanson.

Oosthuizen is the man they call "Shrek," and he has had some success in majors. He won the Open Championships in 2010, but that is his lone win on the PGA Tour.

Mickelson has shaken the old label of "choke artist," and Augusta has been his favorite proving ground; Lefty took the green jacket in 2004, 2006 and 2010. This year, Mickelson's play has continued to trend upwards each day of The Masters. He began with a 74 and gained his form with a 68 before shooting a blazing 66 on Saturday.

Though he won't need it, another great score seems logical for Mickelson on Sunday.

A consistent round near or just below par should win it for him. Of all three favorites (Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy), Lefty is the only one who has proven to be worthy of the hype.

This dynamic gives Mickelson the edge on the final day.