When Phil Mickelson began the final round of the 2002 Masters with two quick birdies, patrons at Augusta National Golf Club sensed a breakthrough brewing.

The fans were in a frenzy, realizing Lefty had just pulled within two shots of the lead Sunday, and was in position to finally win a major title.

When Mickelson walked off the 18th green, his biggest fans - his wife, Amy, and their two daughters - were there to offer consolation.

Tiger Woods had denied him - again.

Mickelson shot a final-round 71 to finish in third place for the second consecutive year. His four-round total of 8-under-par 280 was four shots behind Woods.

Unlike his fans, Mickelson didn't think the great start meant it was his time to win in Augusta.

"That's not my thought process. The reason why I'm thinking this might not be my day is I know for the next 16 holes I need to hit good shots and be fortunate, too," he said. "I thought if I could make a bit of a move, I might be able to make some noise, and unfortunately it stalled a little quicker than I thought."

The opening birdies moved Mickelson to 9-under, but he bogeyed Nos. 3 and 4. There were no late charges, and no regrets.

"This week, even though I did not win, was a very enjoyable week," Mickelson said. "I know that a lot of people have been supportive of me, and I really appreciate the support in my, I guess you could call it, almost-a-quest to win my first major."

Counting his U.S. Amateur victory in 1990, Mickelson has one major under his belt. But when counting professional majors only, Woods now has Mickelson beat 7-0. Even with the U.S. Amateur thrown in, it's 10-1, Woods - and counting.

During his post-Masters news conference, Mickelson was philosophical.

"I saw a wonderful movie this week, and it seemed to put a lot of things in perspective," he said. "It was the movie The Rookie. And he said one line that hit home with me, about how he was very excited about how he's very lucky to be able to play baseball. And today I thought I was very lucky to be able to play the final round of the Masters here in Augusta ... to be on the leaderboard and to play this game for a living and be very fortunate."