Electricity, birdie roars return at Augusta

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods led the way as the birdie roars returned to the U.S. Masters with a vengeance on Sunday, setting up one of the most exciting final rounds at Augusta National.

Although the atmosphere lost some of its electricity as the season's opening major limped to an untidy finish with Argentina's Angel Cabrera winning a three-way playoff, memories will remain sharply etched for every spectator.

Cold and windy conditions in 2007 and 2008 had conspired to leave Augusta strangely silent on the back nine with pars, not birdies, the ultimate prize for the players.

Twelve months ago South African Trevor Immelman won the coveted Green Jacket with a closing three-over 75 in tricky, swirling winds.

Organisers were widely criticised for making the course too tough after lengthening it to a monster 7,445 yards but club chairman Billy Payne felt the weather had been the most significant factor.

"Since the most recent, substantial changes to the course in 2006 we have not had good weather over the weekend," he said on the eve of the tournament.

"The players have not had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills against the competitive test of the course. I think we are going to see some good scores this week and see the course played as it was designed to be played.

"I think we are going to be pleased with the results. No one wants to hear the roars and the excitement more than the members and the volunteers who put on the tournament."