The Masters: Mickelson Trails Hanson By One Stoke Heading Into Final Day

Heading into the final day of the 2012 Masters, Peter Hanson is at the top of the leaderboard. Hanson will be paired up with Phil Mickelson today as the two pros fight for 18 holes for the green jacket.

Hanson has the lead but Mickelson has the experience as this is only Hanson’s second appearance at Augusta. But Hanson is playing the course like an old pro. He shot 7-under-par for a 65 on Saturday, which was the week’s best, and is now 9 under par. Hanson said:

“I was just trying to do the boring stuff… Trying to hit every shot, put it in play off the tee, give myself a chance.”

Mickelson, who is going for his fourth green jacket, shot an outstanding 30 on the back nine yesterday to bring himself within one stroke of Hanson. Mickelson and Hanson will tee off 2:40 EST today in what could be an epic showdown.

Mickelson said:

“I love nothing more than being in the last group on Sunday at the Masters… It’s the greatest thing in professional golf.”

The Orlando Sentinel notes that 19 of the last 21 Masters have been won be a player in the final pairing. That doesn’t mean, however, that Louis Oosthuizen, Bubba Watson, or Matt Kuchar won’t be able to catch the final pair. Oosthuizen is just two strokes off of Hanson’s lead, while Watson sits three back and Kuchar is another stroke behind.

Lee Westwood, who is four strokes off of Hanson’s pace, said:

“This golf course gives you a chance if you’re playing well. You’ve got the par-5s, especially the par-5s on the back nine. They’ve got the flags set so you can make a couple of eagles.”

Here’s a video from The Masters.