Augusta National Golf Club has changed. Jose Maria Olazabal hasn't.

Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal acknowledges the cheering crowd as he finishes on No. 18 with 6-under-par 66 for his final round. He had eagles on Nos. 13 and 15 on Sunday. "I feel at peace with myself around here," said the two-time Masters champion. (Annette M. Drowlette/Staff)

The 40-year-old Spaniard turned in a vintage performance in Sunday's final round. Olazabal fired the tournament's best score, a 6-under-par 66 to make a blistering run at a third green jacket.

"I feel at peace with myself around here," he said. "At least today."

Olazabal's late charge came up just short as he tied for third, three shots behind winner Phil Mickelson.

After finishing 30th two years ago and missing the cut last year, Olazabal found the mostly dry conditions to his liking this year. He entered Augusta with plenty of confidence after a seventh-place finish in The Players Championship and a tie for second at last week's BellSouth Classic.

On Sunday, it was classic Olazabal. The 1994 and 1999 Masters champion hit 13 greens and needed just 26 putts in the final round.

Olazabal found a pair of old friends in the back nine par-5s, Nos. 13 and 15. In 1999, he rolled in a clutch birdie putt on No. 13 to hold off Davis Love III and Greg Norman. Five years earlier, he eagled No. 15 for a two-shot victory over Tom Lehman.

He took advantage of the two holes again during this year's tournament. Olazabal went 8-under par on them, with an eagle on each.

In the final round, he birdied No. 13 before hitting the shot of the day at No. 15. From 246 yards out, Olazabal hit a 5-wood approach to 18 inches. He tapped in for eagle to briefly move to 5 under, charging to within one shot of Mickelson.

"It was a great shot," Olazabal said, "especially considering the situation."

Olazabal said he believed he needed another birdie to get to 6 under and put pressure on Mickelson. Instead, he made a crucial mistake on the par-3 16th.

Olazabal hit his tee shot to the front of the green, but the pin sat in its traditional back-left location. From long range, he could manage only a three-putt bogey.

"The round was wonderful. I played really nice," he said. "I have no complaints."

How can he have any qualms after starting the day tied for 26th place? After rounds of 76-71-71, he stood at 2 over. But Olazabal soon got in red numbers, rolling in birdie putts on Nos. 2, 3 and 4 to move to 1 under for the tournament.

He recorded seven birdies and an eagle against three bogeys. It was his best final round since he shot 69 in his 1994 win.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.