After a day in the lead yesterday, Graeme McDowell has come in second at Tiger Woods’ PGA tournament in California, which ended today.

American Jim Furyk won the competition, taking home the prize of $1.35 million. McDowell’s fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington tied for third place with Englishman Lee Westwood.

After joining the championship at late notice, McDowell gave a phenomenal performance over the four days of the Championship. After three rounds he was vying for first place with South Korean Y.E. Yang, before slipping back to runner-up position.

McDowell needed to hole out from the fairway to force a playoff, and it looked for a moment as if it had a chance, according to the Associated Press. But he ended up with a birdie and a 70.

The Irishman how leaps up to 38th place in the world’s rankings.

Before the tournament began, Ireland’s other participant Padraig Harrington wrote on his blog about the spirit of the tournament. “As well as this a gang of friends come down from San Francisco for the week and it is kind of my Christmas party. That said, whilst it can be easy to fall into the trap of not taking it seriously, I am still here to win!”

But winning wasn’t an option for Harrington this time round. He had two eagles in his round of 70. Harrington has made a good showing in previous tournaments, winning it in 2002 and coming in as runner-up to Woods himself in 2004.

Tiger Woods has won his own tournament four times but pulled out this year for personal reasons that are by now well known.

Woods posted a message on his website today thanking supporters, sponsors and fans. He added, “I am so grateful to them for their efforts, and I am sincerely sorry I was unable to fulfill my duties as host and player in this important event.”