Mickelson Wins in Five-Way Playoff

Phil Mickelson is headed to Augusta with a win, his usual smile and the proper mind-set.

Mickelson made a birdie putt from 13 feet on the fourth playoff hole Monday to win the BellSouth Classic over Rich Beem and give the defending Masters champion even more confidence heading into the opening round of the season’s first major.

After a rocky front nine in which he shot a one-over 37, Mickelson had a 32 on the back with four birdies and no bogeys, finishing at 69 and getting into the playoff.

“On the front I hit it horrible but putted great. The back nine I hit it terrific,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson, Jose Maria Olazabal, Beem, Brandt Jobe and Arjun Atwal tied at eight-under 208 after the last round in the rain-shortened 54-hole tournament to set up a five-man playoff.

Jobe and Atwal were eliminated on the first playoff hole, and Olazabal was out after the third playoff hole.

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Jack Nicklaus will give the Masters at least one more shot.

The six-time Masters champion said Monday evening he would play for the 45th time, saying he wanted to fulfill a request by Augusta National Chairman Hootie Johnson “and a desire on my part.”