The Masters: Greatest Champions in Tournament History

Phil Mickelson (winner in 2004, 2006 and 2010)

When it comes to players with a go for broke style, perhaps no player has even personified that as much as Phil Mickelson. Taking chances is something that Mickelson seems to do in every round. He’s become so good at recovery shots that he’s willing to pull out a driver or try to play out of the trees because he knows he can always get himself out of trouble.

There’s no better evidence of this than Mickelson’s 2010 Masters triumph. Playing the 13th hole, and holding a two-shot lead, Mickelson found himself almost directly behind one of Augusta National’s famous pine trees. From the angle shown on television, it appeared that the lefty had no shot. But in Mickelson’s mind, it was just a puzzle he needed to figure out. Not only did he get out from behind the tree, he hit his iron shot just under the pin and in perfect position for an eagle (which he ultimately missed, but still made birdie).

Mickelson’s infectious smile has earned him a legion of fans over the years. When he finally broke through and won the Masters in 2004, marking his first major championship title, it was widely celebrated. Since then, Mickelson has won two more times at Augusta, taking the 2006 title by two strokes over Tim Clark, and the 2010 title by three strokes over Lee Westwood.

Mickelson remains popular and much of the reason, like Arnold Palmer, is that go for broke style that the average fan can appreciate and even try to copy. While, at 49 years old, he may not win another green jacket, he is still among the most popular winners in Masters history.