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Els so close to first Green Jacket
Ernie Els did everything possible to capture his fourth major and it was only a 15-foot birdie putt by Phil Mickelson at the final hole that wrenched the U.S. Masters title from the South African's grasp.
Els began Sunday's closing round on three-under-par, three shots off the lead held jointly by Americans Mickelson and Chris DiMarco.
The 34-year-old Els birdied the second hole to get to four-under but then bogeyed the third and fifth to fall four strokes behind Mickelson.
"The front nine was kind of up and down again," Els told reporters after finishing with a five-under-par 67 for an eight-under total of 280, one behind Mickelson (69).
"I bogeyed three, I hit it in the greenside bunker. That was quite a surprise but I made five from there.
"Made five on five for another bogey and, from there, I played as good as I've played around here."
Els, who has won two U.S. Opens and one British Open, produced a six-under-par surge from the seventh hole to the 15th, making two birdies and two eagles in that run.
The first eagle came at the par-five eighth when he hooked a five-iron from 212 yards and sank a five-footer for a three. The second came at the 13th when he struck a six-iron from 205 feet and rolled in his putt for a three from 10 feet.
The eagle on eight gave Els the outright lead at five-under and the second eagle extended his advantage to three shots over Mickelson.
But the 33-year-old left-hander had the last laugh, making his 15-footer on the 18th to take the coveted green jacket.
"I did what I had to do," Els said. "I put the ball in play and gave myself opportunities.
"I would have loved to have made some more putts, you know. I keep on saying that but that's how it goes, that's how it was this week."
Els went into the tournament hoping to get the third leg of a career grand slam. He leaves a little shaken but realises he gave it his best effort.
"I'm very disappointed now but I'll get over this, no problem," he said.
"I feel like I'll win a major this year. I would have loved to have won this one.
"I'm chasing that grand slam. But I'll have another shot, I'm sure of that, if I keep practising, keep healthy, keep at it, I'll have another shot.
"...You know, I think Phil deserved this one, he won this one. He didn't lose it like some of his other ones, he won this one and full credit to him."
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