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Phil Mickelson won the Tour Championship by three shots in Atlanta but it was not enough to prevent Tiger Woods from winning the FedEx Cup.
Mickelson shot a final-round 65 on Sunday to claim victory at East Lake Golf Club on nine under par.
World number one Woods closed with a level par 70 to finish on six under, his second place enough to ensure he ended top of the FedEx Cup standings.
The 33-year-old American earns $10m for his overall success.
He finished with a cumulative total of 3,750 points, well clear of second-placed Mickelson, whose total of 2,920 points included 2,500 for winning the season-ending Tour Championship.
Mickelson quipped that it just did not seem right that runner-up Woods was walking away with such a huge cash prize.
"Let me see if I get this straight," said the left-hander. "I shot 65 and he shot 70 and gets a check for $10m? I'm just kidding.
"It really feels great to have won. It's been a frustrating go the last few months and so to be able to come out and get somewhat in contention on a Sunday, four back, and then to be able to put together this round feels terrific.
"This wasn't a banner year but this certainly makes it a better year than it was."
Mickelson, who carded the lowest round of the day by two shots, started the final round four strokes off the pace but four birdies in seven holes on the front nine saw him leap into contention.
He chipped in from just off the green on the 16th for his fifth birdie, which was enough to keep him ahead of Woods, who birdied two of the last four holes.
"Phil played well," said Woods. "He did the things he needed to do this week. Unfortunately, I didn't putt well and I didn't push him. Phil ran off and got away from us."
Sean O'Hair finished third on five under while overnight leader Kenny Perry shared fourth place with Padraig Harrington, the Irishman securing his sixth consecutive top-10 finish.
England's Luke Donald finished with his first under-par round of the week, his 69 ensuring he finished eight over par and in a tie for 25th. | 
