Phil Mickelson was convinced throughout the final round of this year's Masters that this would be the day he would end his wait for a major title.

The American birdied the final hole to pip South African Ernie Els to the title at Augusta National and collected his Green Jacket from last year's winner Mike Weir.

"I kept saying to myself all day that this would be my day," he said.

"Even when I heard Ernie's eagle on 13, when I heard the roar and knew what had happened, I kept believing something was going to happen and this would be it. It was just an amazing feeling."

Mickelson produced a dazzling back nine, getting home in 31 to take his first major after a succession of near misses.

"I can't believe I birdied 16 and 18, the way that putt fell in," he said of his putt at the final hole, which dropped in the side entrance.

"Watching that ball go in I couldn't believe it hung on."

Mickelson was helped on the final green by playing partner Chris DiMarco.

"It was as if we were President's Cup team-mates," Mickelson told BBC2. "He just put it (his approach) three inches behind my ball and I got a good read on it (the putt)."

Mickelson said his major breakthrough was all the sweeter because he had waited so long.

"Having had so tough a quest to win it feels even better now that I finally have."

He now has a lifetime exemption to the tournament and added: "You will be seeing my mug here every year for the rest of my life and I just can't wait for the first week in April."