Phil Mickelson and the Masters Tournament have been closely connected for more than three decades. Augusta National Golf Club became one of the most important stages of his career, producing three green jackets, several memorable performances, and some of the most exciting moments of his professional journey.
Mickelson won the Masters in 2004, 2006, and 2010. His first victory was especially significant because it ended a long wait for his first major championship. He later added two more Masters titles, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most successful players of his generation.
His relationship with Augusta National has also remained notable in the later stages of his career. In 2023, Mickelson produced a remarkable final round of 65 and finished tied for second at 8-under par.
This article explores Phil Mickelson’s Masters career, his three victories, his best performances, and why his record at Augusta remains an important part of golf history.
Phil Mickelson Masters Record at a Glance
Phil Mickelson’s Masters career includes three victories and multiple other strong finishes. His wins came in 2004, 2006, and 2010, while his most recent runner-up finish came in 2023.
| Masters Year | Result | Score to Par | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1st | -9 | First Masters victory |
| 2006 | 1st | -7 | Second green jacket |
| 2010 | 1st | -16 | Third Masters championship |
| 2019 | T18 | -6 | Strong final-round performance |
| 2020 | T55 | +3 | Masters held in November |
| 2021 | T21 | Even | Made the cut |
| 2023 | T2 | -8 | Shot 65 in final round |
| 2024 | T43 | +8 | Most recent result listed by PGA TOUR in its 2025 preview |
PGA TOUR records identify Mickelson as a three-time Masters champion. His 2023 performance was particularly notable because he finished at 8-under 280 after rounds of 71, 69, 75, and 65.
Phil Mickelson’s First Masters Victory in 2004
The 2004 Masters was a turning point in Phil Mickelson’s career.
Before arriving at Augusta that year, Mickelson had already established himself as one of professional golf’s most talented players. However, a major championship victory had remained missing from his résumé.
That changed at Augusta National.
Mickelson finished the tournament at 9-under par and won by one stroke over Ernie Els. The victory finally gave him his first major championship and a green jacket.
The final round was particularly memorable. Mickelson finished with a 6-under 66 and made a dramatic birdie on the 18th hole to secure the championship.
The victory was more than simply another tournament win. It changed the way his career was viewed because he had finally converted his considerable talent into a major championship.
For many golf fans, the 2004 Masters remains the defining moment of the early part of Mickelson’s career.
His Second Green Jacket in 2006
Only two years after his first Masters championship, Mickelson returned to Augusta and won again.
In 2006, he finished at 7-under par with rounds of 70, 72, 70, and 69. He defeated Tim Clark by two strokes and collected his second green jacket.
One of the interesting aspects of this victory was the controlled way Mickelson handled the final round.
He entered Sunday with the lead and avoided a major collapse despite pressure from several experienced players. According to PGA TOUR’s retrospective, Mickelson held a one-shot lead and did not make a bogey until the final hole.
The victory confirmed that his 2004 championship was not an isolated achievement. Mickelson had developed into a consistent threat at Augusta National.
Winning the Masters twice within three years also gave him a special place among the tournament’s modern champions.
The 2010 Masters: Mickelson Wins for the Third Time
Mickelson’s third Masters victory came in 2010, and it was arguably his most dominant performance at Augusta.
He finished the tournament at 16-under par with rounds of 67, 71, 67, and 67, finishing three strokes ahead of the field. PGA TOUR’s official Masters records list Mickelson as the 2010 champion with a total score of 272.
The victory gave Mickelson his third green jacket.
His performance throughout the tournament demonstrated the combination of aggressive shot-making and scoring ability that had become a trademark of his game.
The 2010 Masters also became another important chapter in his major championship career. By that point, Mickelson had demonstrated that Augusta National suited his style of golf particularly well.
Why Augusta National Suited Phil Mickelson
There are several reasons Mickelson developed such a strong Masters record.
Creativity Around the Course
Mickelson has long been known for attempting creative shots rather than always choosing the most conservative option.
Augusta National rewards players who can shape shots, manage slopes, and find creative solutions around greens. Those characteristics fit naturally with Mickelson’s aggressive approach.
Short-Game Ability
Another important part of his success was his ability around the greens.
Augusta’s putting surfaces feature significant slopes and difficult approach areas. A player who can recover effectively after missing a green can save valuable strokes during a four-round tournament.
Mickelson’s short game frequently allowed him to turn difficult situations into scoring opportunities.
Confidence With Aggressive Shots
Mickelson was also comfortable taking risks.
That approach could occasionally create problems, but at Augusta it also produced spectacular results. When his aggressive strategy worked, he could quickly create birdie and eagle opportunities.
This style helped make his Masters appearances particularly entertaining for golf fans.
Phil Mickelson’s 2023 Masters Comeback
One of the most surprising chapters in the Phil Mickelson Masters story came in 2023.
Mickelson entered the final round outside the lead, but he produced a spectacular 7-under 65 on Sunday. His four-round scores were 71, 69, 75, and 65, giving him a final total of 280, or 8-under par.
He finished tied for second with Brooks Koepka, while Jon Rahm won the tournament at 12-under par.
Mickelson’s 65 was the lowest final-round score among the players competing for the championship that day. PGA TOUR described him as a three-time Masters winner and highlighted his final-round performance as one of the major stories of the tournament.
The performance was significant because it demonstrated that Mickelson could still produce an exceptional Masters round more than a decade after his third green jacket.
Mickelson’s Recent Masters Performances
Mickelson’s later Masters results have been more varied than his championship years.
His 2019 performance ended with a tie for 18th at 6-under par. He then finished 55th in the unusual November edition of the 2020 Masters before placing 21st in 2021.
His 2023 performance represented a major resurgence, with his runner-up finish at 8-under par. In 2024, he finished tied for 43rd at 8-over par. These results are included in PGA TOUR’s Masters record and preview information.
The contrast between these results shows how difficult it is to maintain consistent performance at Augusta over a long career.
Phil Mickelson and the Green Jacket
The green jacket is one of the most recognizable symbols in golf, and Mickelson has earned it three times.
His championship years were:
- 2004: First Masters victory at 9-under par
- 2006: Second Masters victory at 7-under par
- 2010: Third Masters victory at 16-under par
The PGA TOUR’s official Masters records list all three victories among the tournament’s past champions.
These victories also came during different stages of Mickelson’s career. His first title represented his breakthrough in major championship golf, his second confirmed his continued dominance at Augusta, and his third demonstrated that he could still win the tournament at the highest level years after his first green jacket.
What Made His Masters Wins Different?
Each of Mickelson’s three victories had its own story.
The 2004 win was about finally breaking through in a major championship.
The 2006 win showed consistency and control under pressure.
The 2010 win was a high-scoring achievement that highlighted Mickelson’s ability to attack Augusta National and produce birdies throughout the tournament.
Together, these victories form a unique part of Masters history.
Phil Mickelson Masters Statistics and Milestones
When looking at Mickelson’s Masters career, several milestones stand out.
Three Masters Championships
Mickelson has won the tournament three times. His victories came in 2004, 2006, and 2010.
Runner-Up in 2023
At age 52, Mickelson finished tied for second in 2023. His 65 in the final round helped him reach 8-under par for the tournament.
Multiple Decades of Augusta Success
Mickelson’s Masters story stretches across several decades. His first victory came in 2004, while his runner-up finish in 2023 showed that he could still contend many years after winning his first green jacket.
A Major Part of His Career Legacy
The Masters is one of the most important tournaments in Mickelson’s career. His three victories account for a substantial part of his major championship résumé and remain central to discussions about his place in modern golf history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phil Mickelson and the Masters
How many times has Phil Mickelson won the Masters?
Phil Mickelson has won the Masters three times. His victories came in 2004, 2006, and 2010.
When did Phil Mickelson win his first Masters?
Mickelson won his first Masters in 2004. He finished at 9-under par and earned his first major championship.
How many green jackets does Phil Mickelson have?
Mickelson has three Masters green jackets, earned through his victories in 2004, 2006, and 2010.
What was Phil Mickelson’s best Masters score?
His lowest winning total came in 2010, when he finished at 16-under par with a total score of 272.
Did Phil Mickelson finish second at the Masters?
Yes. Mickelson finished tied for second at the 2023 Masters. He shot 8-under par overall and closed with a 7-under 65.
When was Phil Mickelson’s most recent strong Masters finish?
His most recent top-level Masters finish documented in the PGA TOUR records is his tie for second in 2023. He finished at 8-under par, four strokes behind champion Jon Rahm.
Final Thoughts
The Phil Mickelson Masters story is one of the most memorable long-term relationships between a golfer and Augusta National.
From his breakthrough victory in 2004 to his second green jacket in 2006 and third championship in 2010, Mickelson created a remarkable record at the Masters. His 2023 runner-up finish added another unexpected chapter, proving that his connection with Augusta remained relevant many years after his championship victories.
Mickelson’s combination of creativity, aggressive shot-making, short-game skill, and confidence made him especially entertaining to watch at Augusta National. His three green jackets and multiple high finishes ensure that the Phil Mickelson Masters legacy will remain an important part of the tournament’s history for years to come.
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