Stricker holds off Donald

Stricker: New world No.2

That was hard today. I aged a lot out there. It was a grind from the get-go

Steve Stricker
Quotes of the week

Northern Trust Open
US unless stated
S Stricker -16
L Donald (Eng) -14
D Johnson -13
J.B. Holmes -13

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Steve Stricker held off a determined challenge from Luke Donald to win the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.

The American carded a final-round 70, amazingly his worst of the year so far, to finish on 16 under for the event, two shots clear of his nearest rival.

Stricker's success means he not only now heads the FedEx Cup standings but also moves above Phil Mickelson to number two in the world rankings.

Donald did his best to overhaul the leader but a score of 66 was only good enough for second - meaning an eighth runner-up finish on the PGA Tour.

Appreciation

"It feels great, this means a lot," Stricker, who lost his PGA Tour card back in 2004, told NBC Sports.

"I remember where I was and where I am now, it doesn't get any better - I really appreciate it. That was hard today. I aged a lot out there. It was a grind from the get-go."

The overnight leader had returned on Sunday with four holes to play in his third round, already five strokes clear of a group of three players.

Stricker quickly moved even further ahead with birdies at the 15th and 16th but finished off with a five at the par-four 18th - his first bogey of the week.

The 43-year-old then saw his six-shot cushion whittled down to just two on the front nine of his fourth round - bringing back memories of 12 months ago when he let slip a two-stroke lead on the last day to finish runner-up to Mickelson.

Recovery

However, birdies at the eighth and ninth helped him recover from the early blip and, although Donald got back within two again heading to the last, Stricker was left with two putts on the final green to seal the win.

Halfway leader Dustin Johnson and fellow American JB Holmes carded rounds of 66 and 67 respectively to finish in a tie for third on 13 under.

Newly-appointed US Ryder Cup vice-captain Paul Goydos, who still hopes to play at Celtic Manor, shot a 65 to finish in joint-fifth alongside Steve Marino, George McNeill and Argentina's Andres Romero.

Englishman Justin Rose ended up on three under par following a 72, while a closing 73 left compatriot Brian Davis on one under.

Defending champion Mickelson, who had been bidding for a third straight title in Pacific Palisades, signed for a disappointing 73 to end up in a tie for 45th.