Masters Scores And Results: Peter Hanson Leads Phil Mickelson By 1, Big Names Tumble In 3rd Round

The third round of the 2012 Masters is in the books, and “moving day” was highlighted by two dramatic second-nine charges -- one from a relatively unknown newcomer, and the other by familiar veteran of Augusta National. Peter Hanson, a consistent Swede who always seems to be at top of the leaderboard in some of the deepest tournaments on tour, shot an amazing 65, which even included a lead-off bogey on the first hole. He shot a 31 on the second nine to take the lead at 9-under.

The other dramatic charge was delivered by three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who shot a 30 on the second nine, just one shot off the record. Mickelson ignited several roars down in Amen Corner and as he came down the stretch. He birdied the par-3 12th and then followed it up with an eagle at No. 13 -- a putt he said he’s seen so many times he knew exactly what line to take. Lefty then delivered one of his perfect trademark flop shots on the par-5 15th hole, which set up another birdie. He missed no opportunities and gave nothing away to Augusta National, going 3-under on the second nine par fives. The round culminated with Mickelson pouring in a slight downhill breaker at No. 18, capping it with an emphatic fist pump that put the crowd in a frenzy one last time.

Louis Oosthuizen had a fantastic birdie on No. 17 to momentarily tie Phil Mickelson for second at 8-under. But Oosthuizen got underneath it on his approach shot on 18 and flew the green on the right side. His chip shot came up short and he then two-putted to give one back and finish at 7-under. The cool South African will certainly be a contender on Sunday, steadily stalking the final group.

Bubba Watson had three birdies coming down the stretch to finish with a 70, and is in fourth place at 6-under. Matt Kuchar is one shot back of Watson, and he drilled a birdie putt on 18 to get back to 5-under. Kuchar had sole possession of the lead when he made the turn on Saturday, but a couple three-putts dropped him back as Peter Hanson and Phil Mickelson lit it up in front of him.

Aside from Phil’s charge, the story on moving day was the household names that moved down and off the first page of the leaderboard. Rory McIlroy had an astonishing 42 on the first nine and was never a factor, finishing at 1-over with a 77. His playing partner, Sergio Garcia, dropped three shots and finished 1-under.

Second-round leaders Jason Dufner and Fred Couples joined them in tumbling off the first page. Couples dropped three shots, shooting a 75 after an ugly 4-over through the first five holes. Jason Dufner also dropped three shots, bogeying the final two holes to finish at 2-under.

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