Mickelson encouraged

Three-time Masters champion Mickelson birdied five of the last seven holes to shoot 65, the lowest Masters round ever for a player over 50.

"Unfortunately it wasn't enough, but it was really a lot of fun for me to play at this level again," said Mickelson. "It's encouraging for me going forward the rest of the year."

He had a chance to match the greatest last-round comeback in major history — Paul Lawrie's 1999 British Open rally from 10 adrift.

But the US left-hander settled for being the oldest player to finish in the top five at a Masters.

The 52-year-old Mickelson showed he still has game. So did Patrick Reed, whose closing 68 left him tied with Spieth and Henley in fourth, and Joaquin Niemann, who ended up at 2 under and tied for 16th.

Koepka showed he still has game, too. Especially over three rounds.

"I mean, we're still the same people. I know if I'm healthy I can compete," he said. "I don't think any of the guys that played this event think otherwise, either."

Agencies