Mickelson earned his fourth title of the season and the 17th of his career with a final-round four-under-par 66 at East Lake Golf Club.

He finished at 13-under 267, two shots better than world number one Woods.

With the $900,000 (�623,160) first prize, the left-hander increased the second-best total on the PGA Tour to $4,746,457(�3,286,446) - not quite half of Woods' record-setting total.

It was the first time in 20 tournaments, dating to his third tournament as a pro in 1996, that Woods had at least a share of the 54-hole lead and failed to win.

In February, he came on strong down the stretch to win the Buick Invitational in San Diego and stop Woods' tour winning streak at six.

"It's a wonderful way to end the year," said Mickelson.

Last chance

It was a disastrous finish for Woods, who was trying to become the first player in 50 years to win at least 10 times in one season.

Poised to become the first back-to-back winner of the Tour Championship, Woods struggled off the tee and missed all the important putts he has made all year.

He finished with a 69, his 11th straight round in the 60s.

Woods goes to Spain next week for the World Golf Championship and one last chance to join Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead as the only players to win at least 10 times on tour in one season.