( CNN ) -- Winning the Masters for the third time meant the world for Phil Mickelson , but nothing could beat seeing his wife Amy and three kids waiting by the 18th green after he completed an emotional victory on Sunday . `` It was a very special and emotional moment for us because we 've been through a lot this last year , '' the American told CNN after returning to second in the world golf rankings behind Tiger Woods , who tied for fourth on his comeback . `` I was so excited to see her , I was n't sure if she was going to make it out . To see her and the kids and be able to share that moment with them is something that we 'll look back on years from now and cherish . '' Mickelson went into the tournament , the first of the golf season 's four majors , in less than spectacular form after a traumatic year off the course . Blog : Phil 's victory perfect tonic for Tiger hype . Last May , Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer , then less than two months later his mother Mary was found to have the same affliction and also required surgery . The 39-year-old took two breaks from the PGA Tour to be with his family , but successfully returned to the circuit to win the Tour Championship in September . `` We 've had a lot of difficult moments in this last year , and we 've been fortunate in that we 've had good long-term outlook , '' he said . `` But our day-to-day has been tough , she 's had a lot of side effects from the medicines and the quality of life is n't great . `` I think having something so joyous and exciting and fun for a short while makes you forget some of the symptoms that you have . `` She 's been inspiring to me throughout not just this past year , but our whole marriage and relationship . But this past year , especially seeing the way she 's tackled this fight and the way she 's been through so much medically , I just find her to be a very inspiring individual . '' In 2004 , Mickelson finally rid himself of the tag `` most talented player yet to win a major '' with victory at the famous Augusta National club and claimed the green jacket for a second time two years later , having also won the U.S. PGA Championship in 2005 . But Mickelson , nicknamed `` Lefty '' for his swing despite otherwise being right-handed , said he was still nervous on Sunday despite his previous successes in the Masters as he went into the final round a shot behind Englishman Lee Westwood . `` Oh absolutely , but I love it . It 's my favorite thing , '' he said . `` It 's the thing that was most difficult early in my career and it 's the thing that I enjoy the most . `` I do n't sleep the night before and I 'm anxious and excited to get out on the course . You have butterflies all day and you just ca n't wait to get the round started . I still feel all that , but that 's what makes Sunday at Augusta so special . '' Mickelson said he was confident going into the tournament despite having only one top-10 finish in his previous seven starts in 2010 . `` I felt like I was playing this well at the start of the year , I just have n't had the results , '' he told reporters after his victory . `` I was n't discouraged , I felt very confident heading in here . Certainly I wanted to have some wins and be in contention , but when I get here to Augusta I get relaxed and comfortable here . I 'm in love with this place , it brings out the best in me . ''
Phil Mickelson says it was special to have cancer - stricken wife Amy waiting for him . Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and is still recovering . The American hopes he and his family will cherish the moment in years to come . Mickelson 's wife was also diagnosed with breast cancer last year .