Stricker recovers in the nick of time
Toolbox
Staff and Wire Reports - Published: February 8, 2010
LOS ANGELES — Even with a big lead, Steve Stricker expected a tough day. Everyone else expected him to win.
Turns out both sides were right.
Stricker watched a six-shot lead slip to two after just five holes Sunday at Riviera before he steadied himself and closed with a 1-under 70 for a two-shot victory over Luke Donald in the Northern Trust Open.
Stricker won for the fourth time in his last 15 PGA Tour starts and moved up to No. 2 in the world ranking. He has eight tour victories overall.
Stricker didn't make it easy on himself, having to grind for pars as Donald kept pouring in birdies. But after Donald missed two short birdie attempts, Stricker fired off two straight birdies to restore a comfortable margin. He finished at 16-under 268 and earned $1.152 million to go over $25 million for his career.
Donald birdied the 17th to again trim the lead to two shots, but that was as close as he ever got. He closed with a 66. Dustin Johnson had a 66, and J.B. Holmes made a late surge for a 67 to tie for third at 13 under. Phil Mickelson, trying to become the first player to win three straight years at Riviera, had a 73 and finished 14 shots behind.
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