Mickelson dominates field in Masters tuneup

Phil Mickelson completed his dominant, wire-to-wire BellSouth Classic victory Sunday in Duluth, Ga., with a score worthy of being remembered as more than just a Masters momentum-builder.

Mickelson's final-round 65 gave him a 28-under 260 total, only one stroke away from the best 72-hole total for a par-72 course in PGA Tour history.

Mickelson capped his 65 with an eagle putt on 18, his second eagle of the day.

Jose Maria Olazabal and Zach Johnson finished 13 strokes behind in second at 15-under 273. Olazabal, who had a 69 Sunday, also tied for second in the BellSouth last year, losing in a five-man playoff won by Mickelson.

Johnson had a 70 Sunday.

Mickelson matched the course record with an opening 63 Thursday and was 5 under or better every day.

The left-hander's first win of the year made him the tournament's first three-time champion.

Mickelson said playing the TPC at Sugarloaf helped prepare him for his 2004 Masters win -- his first victory in a major. Boosted by his best 72-hole score, he will rank as one of the favorites in Augusta this week.

J.J. Henry and Retief Goosen tied for fourth at 14-under 274. Goosen moved up with a 66 Sunday.

Blue Agave Golf Classic

Morris Hatalsky won his first Champions Tour title in nearly three years, closing with a 2-under 70 for a one-stroke victory over Scott Simpson in the Blue Agave Golf Classic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Mike Reid (70) and Gil Morgan (71) tied for third.

-- The Associated Press