So close for Westwood

There is no doubting that Phil Mickelson deserved victory at Augusta, but that doesn't make another second place at a major any easier to take for Lee Weswood. He didn't do a great deal wrong on Sunday but did not seem quite as sharp as his previous rounds of 67, 69 and 68.

There was a very different atmosphere compared to the round on Saturday, when the predominantly English crowd were right behind Westwood. Understandably 90% of the fans were right behind Mickelson today and he gave them plenty to cheer about.

Westwood had dominated the early holes at Augusta all week, but, by his own admission, he didn't get off to a fast start on the day that it was really needed. Westwood had a number of opportunities to pressurise the American but a fight back never really materialised. Mickelson looked to be in serious trouble off the tee on four holes during the middle of the round. We stood right behind the tee on the 11th where Mickelson looked to have driven into serious trouble down the right hand side. As it turned out he pitched the ball on a patrons head and it flew back into play. You of course need luck to win a major championship and Mickelson made the most of the fortune that was presented to him.

Westwood should feel a lot more positive about this second place compared to the great opportunities he had at Turnberry last year and at Torrey Pines in 2008. The incredible eagle, eagle, birdie run yesterday suggested it was Mickelson's week and he played the back nine brilliantly today. It was a shame that the finish wasn't closer down the final stretch, but this is a Masters that will be remembered for years to come.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.