Photos from the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club

Despite winning last year's Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, Phil Mickelson wasn't necessarily the favorite here after a disappointing opening to the 2009 season.

But after a blistering first-round 63 and third-round 62, Mickelson found himself in the driver's seat heading into Sunday action, ahead of Steve Stricker, Andres Romero and Fred Couples. Mickelson struggled once again Sunday before rallying with two back-to-back birdies down the back stretch, plus a clutch up-and-down on the 18th hole to stave off Stricker by a shot.

Early round action was highlighted by 17-year-old Ryo Ishikawa from Japan. Playing on a sponsor's exemption, Ishikawa drew plenty of coverage before missing the cut on Friday.

The Northern Trust Open marks the final stop on the PGA Tour before Tiger Woods returns from knee surgery next week at the Accenture Match Play Championships, part of the World Golf Championships.

Phil Mickelson - 2009 Northern Trust Open

Phil Mickelson won his second straight Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Chris Stroud

Chris Stroud tees off on Riviera's famous 18th hole back toward the clubhouse during the 2009 Northern Trust Open.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Fred Couples

Fred Couples played in the final group on Sunday and finished in the top five at the 2009 Northern Trust Open.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Steve Stricker

Steve Stricker finished one shot back of Phil Mickelson at the 2009 Northern Trust Open.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Andres Romero

Andres Romero's 65 on Saturday put him in contention Sunday before finishing fourth at the 2009 Northern Trust Open.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Phil Mickelson - '09 Northern Trust Open

Phil Mickelson carded both a 63 and 62 during the week at Riviera Country Club, one of his favorite courses on the PGA Tour.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Ryo Ishikawa

Japan's 17-year-old Ryo Ishikawa was the center of attention in the first two rounds of the 2009 Northern Trust Open at Riviera.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire

Chris Dimarco - 2009 Northern Trust Open

Chris Dimarco had a solid week at Riviera, finishing with three rounds in the 60s and tied for 13th.

Cynthia Lum/Eclipse Sportswire

Ryo Ishikawa - '09 Northern Trust Open

We haven't seen the last of Ryo Ishikawa: He also received a sponsor's exemption to the Bay Hill Invitational.

Cynthia Lum/Eclipse Sportswire

Ryudi Imada

Ryudi Imada's first round 67 put him in contention at the 2009 Northern Trust Open before finishing 59th.

Thomas Hartmann/Eclipse Sportswire