Furyk wins Chevron World Challenge

The Chevron World Challenge has been overshadowed somewhat by the ongoing media furore into the private life of world number one and tournament host Tiger Woods. However, the show carried on regardless of Woods’ absence and when the dust had settled, it was Jim Furyk who emerged victorious.

Dressed in a Tiger-esque red shirt and dark trousers, Furyk carded a final round 67 at Sherwood Country Club to take the title with a 13-under par total of 275 and record a one-shot victory over Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, who was a last-minute replacement to take Woods’ place in the tournament.

The win was Furyk’s first victory since he won the Canadian Open in 2007, bringing an end to a two-year losing streak.

Furyk had started the day two shots behind overnight leader McDowell and US PGA champion, South Korea’s YE Yang but Furyk dug deep to record his second successive round of 67 and edge in front. It was nip-and-tuck all the way through the final round with the title in the melting pot until late in the day.

Lee Westwood, who missed a chip for birdie at the last to force a play-off and then also missed his putt for par from one metre finished with a round of 70 to share third place with Padraig Harrington a further two shots behind McDowell.

For the first time, the tournament carries world ranking points and Furyk’s victory sees him return to the world’s top ten, while McDowell enters the top forty and earns an invitation to next year’s US Masters at Augusta.

Woods withdraws from Chevron World Challenge

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Chevron World Challenge – an event he hosts – citing the injuries he sustained in the car accident he was involved in, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Woods stated in a statement issued via his website that his injuries prevented him from playing and that he would not compete again until next year. He had been scheduled to hold a news conference on Tuesday for the tournament.

“I am extremely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week,” Woods said. “I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I’m very sorry that I can’t be there.”

According to the Golf Channel, Woods is suffering headaches and soreness which will keep him from travelling to attend the tournament. Tournament organisers will begin offering ticket refunds on Dec. 7, and all 2009 ticket holders will receive a 20-percent discount off tickets to next year’s event. Ireland’s Graeme McDowell will now replace Woods in the select World Challenge field.

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