Mickelson wins the Northern Trust Open

Phil Mickelson held his nerve to retain the Northern Trust Open title after edging out Steve Stricker by one stroke.

The world number five held a four stroke third round lead but after carding an eagle at the opening hole for a third straight day, Mickelson shipped five bogeys in 13 holes to open the door for Stricker.

But Mickelson birdied 16 and 17 to overtake Stricker as his one-over-par 72 was enough to claim a 35th career PGA victory at 15 under.

Couples had a chance to force a play-off but after his approach to the final green landed on the fringe failed to take his chance before Mickelson calmly sank a six-foot putt to secure his first title for over a year.

Stricker signed for six birdies in a four under 67 to claim second, with Fred Couples (69), South Korea's KJ Choi (69) and Argentina's Andres Romero (70) third at 13 under.

JB Holmes (68), England's Luke Donald (68), Mark Calcavecchia (69) and South Africa's Rory Sabbatini (70) finished tied for sixth at 12 under, with Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge (67), Dustin Johnson (70) and Scott McCarron (71) rounding out the top 10.

Ireland's Graeme McDowell finished 11 shots off the pace on four under.