McDowell has been handed a chance to boost his world ranking

Graeme McDowell has been handed a place in the Chevron World Challenge in California this week after tournament host Tiger Woods pulled out.

Woods said injuries sustained in a car accident on Friday morning have forced him to withdraw from the event.

McDowell's inclusion gives him a chance to climb back into the world's top 50.

The Northern Irishman is currently 55th in the rankings and needs to be back in the top 50 by the year end to guarantee himself a place at next year's Masters.

McDowell's management team at Horizon Sports Management said: "We were in touch with the event organisers at the Tiger Woods Foundation yesterday while at Mission Hills during Graeme's final round at the World Cup with Irish team-mate Rory McIlroy.

"They informed us that there was a possibility that Tiger may withdraw and asked if Graeme would be prepared to potentially accept a late invitation should a spot in the field become available."

This is the first year that the World Challenge has carried ranking points.

Vijay Singh is another withdrawal and he has been replaced by American Justin Leonard.

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