But eight birdies, one eagle and just one bogey helped him to surge through the pack in the same manner as Tiger Woods did when winning here last year.

Love finished the tournament on 16 under par to secure his 14th USPGA Tour title, and his first since 1998 following a frustrating sequence of three second-place finishes last year.

Mickelson could have forced a play-off with a birdie at the par-five 18th, but the left-hander drove his second shot into the sea and could only chip on to the edge of the green after a penalty drop.

"I've been playing well recently but just not having the breaks," said Love.

"Obviously, Phil hitting it in the water is not what we expected, but I had a few good breaks.

"I still haven't played four solid rounds, but this was just a great round - especially the front nine.

"Every week out here now is a big week, big money and big excitement and a lot of attention. It's getting harder and harder to win but it's getting more and more fun to try."

Reigning Masters champion Vijay Singh finished just one shot back in second after a 69, while Mickelson's double bogey at the last saw him slip back to joint-third with Browne, after both eventually closed with 73s.