Monday 2 October 2017 00:19, UK
The United States retained the Presidents Cup as the International team's valiant final-day singles performance proved to be in vain.
The hosts' 19-11 success was in truth a respectable scoreline for the visitors, who had trailed by 11 points following Saturday's play. Daniel Berger was the player to secure victory on Sunday with a 2&1 success over Si Woo Kim at Liberty National GC.
With the US President Donald Trump watching on in New Jersey ahead of presenting the trophy, Steve Stricker's side claimed their 10th victory from the 12 editions of the tournament but Nick Price's International outfit showed some resolve to win the final day's session and avoid a record loss in the biennial match play team event.
The opening singles match of the day ended in a half between rookie Kevin Chappell and Marc Leishman despite the American always holding a lead on the front nine, while there were victories for Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama over Charley Hoffman and Justin Thomas respectively.
Day secured a 2&1 victory over the 40-year-old American rookie while the Japanese world No 3 produced some impressive golf after a challenging week to defeat the FedEx Cup champion 3&1.
Jhonattan Vegas earned a hard fought and impressive 2&1 win over three-time major winner Jordan Spieth to consign this year's The Open winner to a first loss of the week and Branden Grace claimed a half point against the world No 1 Dustin Johnson after a concession by the American at the 18th.
Adam Scott secured a 3&2 success over US Open champion Brooks Koepka while the South African duo Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen were 1up winners over Matt Kuchar and Patrick Reed respectively.
Rickie Fowler eased to a 6&4 victory over Argentine Emiliano Grillo in a match which saw the 28-year-old American lose only a solitary hole.
The final two matches on the course saw Anirban Lahiri claim a half point against Kevin Kisner after the Indian won the final two holes with Phil Mickelson, playing in his 23rd consecutive team USA event, bringing the week's action to a close after earning a 2&1 victory over Canadian rookie Adam Hadwin.
"They're just great players," said Stricker on leading the hosts to victory. "Sometimes I marvel at the shots they are capable of hitting and the way they conduct themselves on the golf course. They are so aggressive - they take it on. This is a great type of format to be that kind of player.
"It was a blast. They are good kids to be around. USA team golf is in a great spot. They could be around together for a long time."
The next staging of the event will take place in 2019 at Royal Melbourne in Australia, site of the only International victory in 1998.
