Robert Allenby was the leading Australian in a share of 17th place as world No.5 Phil Mickelson gave up a big lead before retaining the Northern Trust Open in California. Mickelson, who soared to the front with a phenomenal third-round 62, took a four-stroke buffer into the final round but five bogeys over the first 14 holes saw him squander his advantage and fall two shots behind. But the American veteran regained his composure to reel off birdies on 16 and 17 before saving par on the last with a six-foot putt that saw him become only the fourth player to win consecutive titles at Riviera. Mickelson&aposs 15-under total was enough for a one-stroke win and his 35th PGA victory over compatriot Steve Stricker, who signed for six birdies in a four-under 67 to finish outright second. South Korea&aposs K.J. Choi, American Fred Couples and Argentina&aposs Andres Romero were tied for third at 13-under. Couples had a chance to force a play-off but after his approach to the final green landed on the fringe. JB Holmes (68), England&aposs Luke Donald (68), Mark Calcavecchia (69) and South Africa&aposs Rory Sabbatini (70) finished tied for sixth at 12-under, with Zimbabwe&aposs Brendon de Jonge (67), Dustin Johnson (70) and Scott McCarron (71) rounding out the top 10. Allenby completed a consistent tournament with a closing 71 to finish at eight-under alongside a host of players including Brian Davis, Richard S. Johnson, Hunter Mahan, Kenny Perry and Bubba Watson. Geoff Ogilvy signed for a one-over 72 to finish at six-under, while Aaron Baddeley was at three-under and Stuart Appleby even-par. Final Round of the Northern Trust Open, Riviera Country Club, Calif -15: Phil Mickelson 63 72 62 72 -14: Steve Stricker 68 66 69 67 -13: K.J. Choi 66 69 67 69, Fred Couples 67 70 65 69, Andres Romero 66 70 65 70 -12: Mark Calcavecchia 70 69 64 69, Luke Donald 66 69 69 68, J.B Holmes 73 67 64 68, Rory Sabbatini 68 67 67 70 -11: Brendon de Jonge 69 70 67 67, Dustin Johnson 66 70 67 70, Scott McCarron 64 68 70 71 -10: Rich Beem 68 69 69 68, Angel Cabrera 72 68 68 66, Tim Clark 68 72 66 68, Chris DiMarco 68 72 66 68 -8: Robert Allenby (Australia) 70 67 68 71, Brian Davis 69 69 68 70, Richard S. Johnson 70 68 67 71, Hunter Mahan 69 69 68 70, Kenny Perry 70 68 69 69, Kevin Sutherland 72 67 68 69, Bubba Watson 69 71 68 68, Dean Wilson 66 72 67 71 Also: -6: Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) 68 67 71 72 -3: Aaron Baddeley (Australia) 71 70 72 68 E: Stuart Appleby (Australia) 71 68 73 72