Graeme McDowell joint-second to Nick Watney in World Challenge

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell got off to a fine start at the World Challenge in California, sharing second place after shooting a round of 69.

After parring each of his outward nine holes, the 2010 US Open champion recorded birdies at 10, 11, 17 and 18 with his only dropped shot at the 14th.

At three under par, McDowell, Jim Furyk and Keegan Bradley trail Nick Watney by two shots at Sherwood Country Club.

They are one clear of home trio Keegan Bradley, Tiger Woods and Webb Simpson.

England's Ian Poulter (73) and Australian Jason Day (71) are, along with McDowell, the only three non-American players in the field of 18 at the Thousand Oaks event.

Defending champion Woods got off to a good start with a birdie at the par-five second, but bogeyed the short eighth.

A pair of birdies at 11 and 13 lifted his spirits though, and he goes into the second round well-placed.