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.
His fourth PGA Tour victory in his last 15 starts moved him up to No. 2 in the world ranking.
Stricker won for the eighth time in his career, and once again welled up with tears after the victory. This time, all it took was a reminder of where he was four years ago, when he lost his PGA Tour card.
