Published in Nerve* Magazine (April issue) for Bournemouth University.
The 2010 Augusta Open proved a tense affair, with a tightly-contested battle resulting in 2nd seed Phil Mickelson claiming the prestigious green jacket. A mesmeric 16 under par over the three-day event ensures the American clinched the title ahead of Britain’s Lee Westwood. James Hartnett provides Nerve with the story of the first major golfing tournament this year.
After what seemed like a never-ending two horse race between two of golf’s top seeds, American Phil Mickelson picked up his third green jacket in six years, after edging the Augusta Masters this April. Briton Lee Westwood was only three strokes behind the 39-year-old throughout, and with the final hole looming was just two shots back before Mickelson held his nerve to win with an impressive 16 under-par.
Mickelson’s third title at Augusta, after wins in both 2004 and 2006, makes him only one of a select few to hold the title three or more times.
With three consecutive top-three finishes, British hopes lay strong with home-grown talent Lee Westwood. After holding the lead going into the final day alongside fellow countryman Ian Poulter, the Brit put himself in strong standing for the championship. However, following a one-under par 71 on the final day, Westwood could not match Mickelson’s continued dominance on the course. The American finished three shots clear of Westwood to claim his fourth major title after trailing by one going into the final day.
American Anthony Kim also posted an impressive 12 under, finishing one shot behind Westwood, after clocking up a faultless 65 on his final round.
Tiger Woods made a strong comeback from an extended break from the sport, and placed fourth with 11 under par. Following revelations regarding his private life, Woods had previously pulled himself out of several championships, yet following his display at Augusta, has signed himself up for the US Open in June to compete in the season’s second major tournament.
Several big names failed to make the cut going into the final day, whereupon golfers must manage a score no more than 10 shots behind the current leader. Following surprisingly poor shows, 11th seed Irishman Padraig Harrington and 12th Seed Rory McIlroy both had to sit out of the third day at the Augusta Masters alongside Paul Casey, Ross Fisher and Luke Donald. Jim Furyk and Martin Kaymer amongst others were also forced to drop out previously.
The US Open, held at Pebble Beach, USA, will take place next month whereupon Woods, Poulter and Harrington to name a few will be fighting for the coveted major once more.
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