Golf: Donald's praise for new world No.2 Stricker

LUKE DONALD paid tribute to Steve Stricker after the American held his nerve to win the Northern Trust Open at the Englishman's expense.

Donald shot a final-round 66 at Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles but it was not enough to prevent Stricker from holding on for a two-shot victory.

The American carded a one-under 70 to get the job done, having led by six shots after 54 holes, and his win was enough to promote him to the world No.2 ranking at the expense of defending champion Phil Mickelson, who had needed a top-six finish to stay second behind Tiger Woods.

Mickelson could only manage a tie for 45th after a closing 73 – a year after reeling Stricker in for a second title in as many years at Riviera.

The victory for Stricker continued a remarkable turnaround for the American since losing his PGA Tour card in 2004. He won the tour's Comeback Player of the Year award in 2006 and 2007, won three titles in 2009 and after three tournaments this year he has yet to shoot over par.

"If you look at his consistency and how much he's won, then I think it's deserved," Donald said of Stricker's new ranking.

"It's a great testament to his will. I can't remember what he got to in the World Rankings, 300 or 400 or something.

"To come back from that, it's a tough game mentally when you're not playing well, and to break that and come back and be where he is right now, that's great going.

"He's obviously found it, and he's worked hard, and he has a lot of belief in himself now.

"I think Steve is the nicest guy in the world, too, so it couldn't happen to a nicer guy."

Donald had been chasing his first PGA Tour title since the 2006 Honda Classic but he was pleased with his effort in making a contest of it with Stricker.

"I felt like I played nicely," he said. "I hit a lot of quality shots, felt very much in control and I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, gave myself a lot of good looks at birdies.

"If I got really hot with the putter, I could have maybe caught Steve. He played nicely coming down the stretch, and I think he was a deserved winner. But at least I gave him a little run for his money."