The United States dominated the final day's singles matches to beat the Rest of the World and win the inaugural UBS Warburg Cup in Kiawah Island, South Carolina today.
The Rest of the World had led 7-5 but, with a target of five and a half points to win, they surrendered the session by three points to give the hosts a one-point win.
"Obviously we are disappointed to lose but it has been a great event," said Rest of the World captain Gary Player, who lost his first match of the week to Arnold Palmer, the American legend winning two and one.
"When I look at the scoreboard it is very exciting to see the scores so close and it must have been great for everybody involved in the event and the sponsors who have produced a tournament to be proud of."
Early wins for Nick Faldo, who beat Tom Watson three and two, and Des Smyth, who was five under par in beating Loren Roberts four and three, were soon rendered meaningless.
"It has been very competitive," said Faldo. "Whether or not this was devised as a fun format, the guys involved have a lot of pride and as always in team contests, you don't want to be the one who loses and lets the side down." -PA