ATLANTA — Phil Mickelson had the smaller check and felt like the biggest winner. Top-ranked Tiger Woods was congratulated after he finished second in The Tour Championship at East Lake.

Sunday was the ninth time the game's biggest stars finished in the top two places at a tournament. They shared the spotlight, each going home with a trophy that was meaningful.

Mickelson made a spectacular rally, closing with a 5-under-par 65 to go from four shots behind to a three-stroke victory, his first since his wife and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer in the spring.

Woods made two late birdies, not enough to put much heat on Mickelson, but enough to secure the FedEx Cup and its $10 million first-place bonus. It capped a season in which he returned from major knee surgery, won six times and was no worse than second in nine of his 17 tournaments.

"I like the way today went," Mickelson said. "I was two back of him [Woods]; I beat him by three. He gets the $10 million check, and I get $1 million. I've got no problem with that. I just love holding this, finally."

Lefty motioned toward the crystal trophy of The Tour Championship, which has not belonged to him since he won in 2000 by again rallying in the final round to defeat Woods.

Mickelson finished at 9-under 271 and made $1.35 million. He also collected a $3 million bonus for being second in the FedEx Cup points race. It was his third victory of the year and the 37th of his career; he will be second in this week's Official World Golf Ranking.

"It means a lot to finish the year off on such a good note," Mickelson said. "We've been through a lot, and I'm very proud of my wife and my mom on the fight that they've been through."

Kenny Perry (74) led by four shots after two holes before tying for fourth.

Despite the big payoff, Woods was thinking about missing putts inside 20 feet.

"I'm sure I would probably be more happy tomorrow than I am right now, because you're in the moment trying to win this event," he said.