Graeme McDowell wins his second World Challenge in Thousand Oaks

Graeme McDowell shot a four-under 68 to win golf’s World Challenge for the second time in three years Sunday.

The Northern Ireland native finished 17 under par for the tournament at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, three shots ahead of second-place Keegan Bradley, to earn the event’s $1-million first prize.

Bo Van Pelt was third at 10 under par, seven shots back of McDowell. And tournament host Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler tied for fourth at nine under.

A key moment for McDowell came on the par-three 17th when he made an excellent downhill chip shot from just off the green, the ball stopping at the lip of the cup. That saved McDowell’s par and kept his lead over Bradley at two strokes.

McDowell then sewed up his victory with a birdie three at the 18th hole.

McDowell won his first World Challenge in 2010 when he defeated Woods in a playoff, and that also was McDowell’s last victory until Sunday.

Woods, who started five shots behind McDowell on Sunday, never mounted a charge as he shot a one-under 71 with the help of an eagle on the par-five 16th hole.

The invitational tournament benefits Woods’ charitable foundation.

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