Magnificent McDowell holds nerve to end season on a high

Graeme McDowell ended an otherwise disappointing 2012 campaign in magnificent fashion by holding on under strong pressure from American Keegan Bradley to capture the Tiger Woods World Challenge and the first prize of more than a million dollars at Sherwood Country Club near Los Angeles last night.

A majestic birdie 3 at the 18th saw McDowell close the tournament with a round of 68 for a 17 under par total of 271 and a victory that will mean a great deal to him as he happily prepares for a 10-week break from competitive golf that he hopes will help to recharge the batteries.

Before going out for the final round, he tweeted: “Game is in nice shape so let’s go low and do this thing.” Eventually, he did just that and in doing so proved just how strong he is mentally under the keenest pressure, a little chip from a horrible lie at the short 17th and his wonderful approach to the 18th proving the point as Bradley maintained the pressure all the way to the finish.