Lefty Wins One For The Nice Guys

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Phil Mickelson kept yanking balls into the trees, and even had an unexpected brush with nature right on the green. Still, he had the lead at the Masters. Mickelson won a third green jacket Sunday after an incredibly trying year. Already a fan favorite and now the sentimental pick with his wife and mother battling breast cancer, Mickelson rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt at the signature 12th hole -- the heart of Amen Corner -- then managed a stunning shot off the pine straw and around a tree to set up another birdie at the next hole. Mickelson finished at 16-under par and three shots ahead of 54-hole leader Lee Westwood. Lefty wrapped it up with yet another birdie at the 18th, then headed to the side of the green to hug wife Amy.

I wanted Tiger to come in on fire, hang his balls out and win this thing more than anyone else but it wouldn't have been right. Mickelson is one of the only good guys left in sports. I'm sure him and Peyton Manning have a tea party every year while Tiger, Tom Terrific and MJ go knock up models. At the end of the day they all get results. Tiger wanted it for his new image. Phil needed it for his family. Big difference. I'm not saying winning The Masters is gonna cure his wife's or mother's cancer but the good feeling that comes as a result sure goes a long way. It's contagious.