Lee Westwood vowed to shrug off the disappointment of another narrow defeat at a major after finishing second to American Phil Mickelson at the Masters.

Westwood started the final day in the lead at Augusta but saw Mickelson shoot 67 to claim his third Green Jacket.

The Englishman has now had four top three finishes in a major, including last year's Open at Turnberry.

"One of these days the door's going to open for me. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing," he said.

"I have finished third-third-second in my last three majors so I think I am doing the right things. Phil was just saying in the scorers' hut that he has been that man.

US Masters highlights - day four

"He has hung around at the top of leaderboards at major championships and not got anything and there he is today sitting there with four of them.

"He told me to keep plugging away and that I was playing far too well not to win one of these."

"It's only a matter of time," agreed former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher.

"He's definitely, definitely going to win a major - he's the best ball striker in the world today."

Westwood, 36, also paid tribute to playing partner Mickelson's performance, as he claimed his third Masters title despite an emotional year off the course.

Mickelson's wife Amy and mother Mary have both been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 12 months, but the former was still present at Augusta to see her husband claim back the Green Jacket he last won in 2006.

"Phil hit some great shots like the champion he is," added Westwood. "He's been through hard times just recently and deserves a break or two.

"Any time anyone in the last couple of groups hits 67 in the final round they are probably going to win the tournament and Phil knows how to get it round here.

IAIN CARTER'S BLOG Golfing greatness is measured by the majors you win and Westwood is edging ever closer to joining this elite

"He has got such a magical short game that he can afford to hit it in the trees and get away with it.

"He hit his second shot into the trees at eight and it bounced out and he made birdie off that and then it almost felt like a two-shot swing on the ninth when I three-putted and he made par from the trees again.

"But he played 12 and 13 fantastically and was solid coming in like a true champion."

England's Ian Poulter, meanwhile, was left frustrated after seeing a fine position slip through his fingers at Augusta.

Poulter had a share of the lead with Westwood at halfway but hit 74 and 73 in his final two rounds to end up tied for 10th.

"Yesterday I didn't hit it at all well off the tee and got myself into trouble," he said. "But I played pretty well today.

"It's a game of fractions around this golf course. 10th - I'm not overly satisfied with that.

"But the roars and eagles and holed second shots - it's a great atmosphere to play golf in."

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