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.

"I remember where I was and where I am now," Stricker said. "It doesn't get any better."

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 made birdie on 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.