After splitting the first two playoff holes, McDowell hit his approach to within two feet for a birdie on the third sudden-death hole, as Singh missed a four-foot putt to end a day of high drama at the Pinx Golf Club.
"I'm just glad I was able to hit one stiff at the last," McDowell said.
"That was sweet. I've worked unbelievably hard for this.
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"This is pretty sweet to get a win this early in 2008."
Graeme McDowell |
"This is pretty sweet to get a win this early in 2008."
Singh had led by as many as three strokes on the front nine, but McDowell caught up by sinking a five-foot birdie putt on the par-four 15th.
The Indian regained the edge at 16 only to bogey the 17th before McDowell had a long putt to win the tournament on the 18th before they returned to the final hole three times in the playoff.
McDowell holds his nerve
McDowell, who had not led all day, finally clinched victory at the third attempt, tapping in after Singh missed his birdie putt after the overnight co-leaders both hit superb approach shots.
McDowell took away a $511,000 winner's cheque and his first European Tour win since 2004.
Paul McGinley, three-time Ryder Cup winner, was alone in third, seven shots off the leaders, with Japan's Shingo Katayama two further back in fourth.
Denmark's Thomas Bjorn closed strongly with 68 to lie alongside rising US star Anthony Kim and Swede Johan Edfors on 14-under 274.
Padraig Harrington, British Open champion, ended with 74 to finish tied 14th, while world number five K.J. Choi completed a disappointing tournament for home fans with a 71.