Mickelson makes his own noise

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On what might be the loudest golf course, there is one spot at Augusta National that is eerily quiet. The 12th green is some 160 yards away from the gallery, and the view is blocked for some by the bunker. And even if they can see the ball disappear into the cup, the distance leads to a delay.

That's why Jim "Bones" Mackay, the caddie for Phil Mickelson, will remember the 15-foot birdie putt on Sunday.

"I'll tell you what a cool moment it was," Mackay said. "It's so silent back there, and to hear him yell as that putt went in a couple seconds before we heard from the crowd ... it was a real special moment."

And what did Mickelson yell when he made the birdie?

"Yes!"

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CHOICE OF CUPS: A number of European players hopeful of making the Ryder Cup might have a decision to make in August.

Nine players qualify for the European team - four from a list of world ranking points earned on any sanctioned tour in the world, five from a list based on money earned on the European Tour. The team will be determined on Aug. 29 after the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, the same week the FedEx Cup playoffs get under way with The Barclays.

And that could be a problem.

Europeans cannot earn world points at The Barclays because of the time difference. It will not end until about 11 p.m. in Scotland, and the team is to be announced that evening.

Money points can be earned at Gleneagles, however. There could be some Europeans on the bubble who might have to choose between going to Gleneagles to try to earn a spot on the team, or going to New Jersey with hopes of advancing in the lucrative FedEx Cup.

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STAT OF THE WEEK: This was the first time Tiger Woods broke par all four rounds at the Masters without winning.

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FINAL WORD: "A great shot is when you pull it off. A smart shot is when you don't have the guts to try it." - Phil Mickelson.