G-Mac Captures His Second World Challenge Title


For the second time in three years, Graeme McDowell ended his season on a high note with a victory in the World Challenge. The 18-player, $4 million tournament hosted by Tiger Woods took place at the rain-soaked Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

The 33-year-old Northern Irishman closed with his second straight 68 - and fourth round in the 60s - to finish at 17-under 271, edging Keegan Bradley (69) by three shots. The victory was McDowell's first since October 2010 in the European Tour's Andalucia Valderrama Masters in Spain.

McDowell now gets to look ahead to a 10-week golf-free stretch at his new home in Lake Nona, Fla.

In 2010, McDowell outdueled Woods down the stretch and then beat Woods on the first playoff hole. That title capped a year in which McDowell announced to the world that he was a player to be reckoned with after winning the U.S. Open earlier in June at Pebble Beach.

On Sunday, McDowell - who entered the last round with a two-stroke edge over Bradley - carded five birdies and a bogey to earn the $1.2 million top prize. His final birdie on the par-4 18th gave him the ultimate winning margin.

Bradley was the only player close to McDowell on Sunday. Finishing third at 278 was Bo Van Pelt, who shot a 70, while Jim Furyk (70), Rickie Fowler (69) and defending champion Woods (71) shared fourth at 279. Webb Simpson (69) took seventh at 281, with Steve Stricker (70) right behind at 282.

Hunter Mahan (68) and Bubba Watson (71) tied for ninth at 283, and another shot back were Matt Kuchar (70) and Nick Watney (73).

Rounding out the field were Brandt Snedeker (69) and Dustin Johnson (71) in 13th at 285; Jason Dufner (71) and Jason Day (69) in 15th at 287; Ian Poulter (72) in 17th; and Zach Johnson (79) in last place at 5-over 293.

For full scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r478.