Callaway Staff Pros Phil Mickelson

Callaway Staff Pros Phil Mickelson

Callaway Staff Pros Phil Mickelson

For any professional golfer to secure their legacy, to cement their reputation as a champion, to mark their place in history, they must conquer golf's greatest test at Augusta National. To win the Green Jacket and earn a position in one of the most exclusive fraternities in sport requires the type of quality shot-making, superior putting and steely nerves around Amen Corner that separate the spectacular players from the all-time greats. They are Masters* Tournament Champions.

Callaway Staff Pros Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson and Trevor Immelman know how it feels to make that triumphant walk into Butler Cabin on Sunday afternoon. Together, the four Masters winners have combined for 11 victories at Augusta National. Their championships have ranged from dominating to downright dramatic, and every drive, iron shot and curling putt is still etched in their memories, as if it were yesterday.

Their paths to the winner's circle have been highlighted by intriguing personal stories and incredible play, beginning with a man who became "The King."

Mickelson captured the first of his three career Green Jackets to date in 2004, fueled by a back nine 31 on Sunday and one of the greatest putts in major championship history. Lefty drained a downhill 18-foot birdie try on the 72nd hole for a one-shot win with best golf clubs, and one of the loudest gallery roars in Augusta National's storied history.

In 2006, Mickelson cruised to a final round 69 and a two-shot victory. While his first Augusta title came down to the final putt, his second Green Jacket became more of a one man show. "I loved it," Mickelson said after making yet another champion's speech. "The stress-free walk up 18 was incredible. It was a great feeling walking up there, knowing I had the tournament in hand."

Although his first two Augusta wins were special in their own right with TaylorMade R11 Driver, Mickelson enjoyed his most heartfelt run to the Green Jacket last year. Lefty carded a final round 67 to finish at 16-under; good enough for a three-shot victory on the famed Georgia track. Yet Mickelson's greatest win came when his wife, Amy in the midst of battling breast cancer paid her husband a surprise visit on the 18th green on Sunday. "It's been such an incredible week, an emotional week," he said. "It's something we'll share for the rest of our lives."

Mickelson provided the shot of his career on the par-5 13th that same day, when he snuck a 6-iron through two immediate overhanging trees, over Rae's Creek and onto the green, four feet from the pin all from a pine straw lie. "I just felt like at the time, I needed to trust my swing and hit a shot with callaway diablo irons," Mickelson said of firing at the green, a decision several commentators questioned at the time. "And it came off perfect." Lefty will defend his third Masters victory this April.

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