So often, Sunday at the Masters Tourna-ment comes down to the haves vs. the have-nots.

For a change, however, the have-nots seem to have a distinct advantage at claiming the sixth consecutive major by a first-time winner.

Phil Mickelson (Stats | Bio) (Stats | Bio) and Chris DiMarco (Stats | Bio) have zero major victories between them, and neither has ever led going into the final round of a major. But they share a two-shot lead going into the final round today.

Better yet, they've got a three-shot edge on the nearest major winners - Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els (Stats | Bio) .

Considering the last 13 straight Masters champions have played in the final twosome on Sunday, it's as favorable as it can get for Mickelson and DiMarco.

"That's a cool stat," said Mickelson.

Heading into Saturday's third round, there were 11 former major winners - including six Masters champions - among the top 22 players within eight shots of the lead.

After Saturday, that list was reduced to eight major winners and four Masters champions among the top 19 within eight shots of the leaders.

Usually in majors, and especially in the Masters, former champions feel favored to pull out victories in heated Sunday battles. Their mantra is always the same - I've done this before and you haven't.

"I know how to handle that coming down the stretch," said Tiger Woods (Stats | Bio) (Stats | Bio), a three-time Masters winner. "Past champions can say that.

''You know what it takes to win on this golf course and how to handle the nerves. And you've proven it to yourself and everyone else."

But in five straight majors that have been won by first-timers, the experience factor hasn't paid off in the end.

Mickelson won't argue that trying to win that first major is the toughest. He's been in the hunt so often while posting 17 top-10 major finishes, including four thirds at Augusta National.

"For me, it's been" the hardest, he said.

"I've really enjoyed the challenge of trying to win a major ... I know that I haven't done it yet, but I've been close a number of times. I think that when I finally do break through, it will be that much more rewarding for going through the difficulties of the last 10 years of trying it and not doing it."

So much emphasis is put on the majors these days that it heaps unusual pressure on talented players who have yet to win one. That pressure makes it easier for major winners who have already shaken any doubts that they can come through.

"No matter what happens this week, I'm coming back," said Woods.

"So, from that aspect, there should be a little less pressure."

Mickelson and DiMarco won't feel nearly as much heat as normal - particularly with Woods a distant nine shots behind.

"I'm much more at ease than I have been in the past," said Mickelson.

"I'm a lot more prepared," said DiMarco.

Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219 or

scott.michaux@augustachronicle.com.