The Warrnambool golfer produced a stunning six-under par round yesterday to jump from tied for 42nd to equal 15th in the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.

Leishman's charge started on the back nine in his final round yesterday, which included six birdies.

His exceptional 65 added to scores of 71, 71 and 70 in his opening three rounds to see Leishman finish seven-under par in the $US6.4 million ($A7.35 million) tournament.

The 26-year-old was nine shots off the pace as American Steve Stricker held on to win the tournament, firing a final-round 70 to beat England's Luke Donald by two strokes.

With the win, Stricker will overtake fellow American Phil Mickelson as number two in the world when the new rankings come out this week.

Leishman's performance in the Northern Trust Open, which was the best by an Australian, saw him pocket $US102,400.

After just three tournaments this year, he has managed to rack up $US559,953, meaning he is well on the way to securing his 2011 card. The reigning US PGA Tour rookie of the year is 12th on the official money list.

Unfortunately he missed out on qualifying for the 64-man World Match Play Championship as he was ranked 75th.

Four Australians made the field for the titles ? Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby, Michael Sim and Adam Scott. If Tiger Woods doesn't show up, Ross McGowan of England will get the final spot in the match play championship.

Leishman will stay in California and hope to continue his form in his next tournament, which is the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

It starts Friday. with AAP