November 20th 2011, Melbourne, Australia: Tiger Woods secured the decisive point as the United States retained the Presidents Cup against the International team at Royal Melbourne.

Greg Norman's International side started strongly as they looked to mount an unlikely comeback after heading into the final day's singles trailing 13-9.

But the Americans' strength in the bottom half of the line-up ensured they clinched a fourth straight victory in the competition.

Jim Furyk maintained his perfect record for the week with his fifth win by beating South African Ernie Els 4&3 before Woods, who opened his account in Saturday's foursomes, claimed the clinching point with a 4&3 triumph over Australian Aaron Baddeley.

Woods, a controversial wild card pick by USA captain Fred Couples, was pleased with the way he played all week and credited team-mate Steve Stricker for the improvement in his putting.

"It does feel good," the 14-time major champion said on Sky Sports 1 after his victory. "I was hoping it wouldn't come down to my point.

"I was hoping Stricks and I could take a victory lap back here but we didn't get off to a good start early.

"I was saying on the range it was going to come down to probably the last four matches and we needed to get our points so we went out there and played really well today [Sunday].

"I played well all week. Unfortunately I just didn't make putts. I hit putts well but they weren't going in over the first three days, the first four matches."

Asked where it had come good, he replied: "On the putting green. I was listening to this dude behind me [Stricker] giving me a putting tip about releasing the blade a little bit. Whatever he says about putting, I'm going to listen to."

Norman was disappointed but proud of his team.

"Obviously I feel for the guys," he said. "They came here full of enthusiasm.

"We did the right thing the way we loaded it up at the start of play, and the guys stepped up to the plate.

"I'm really proud of them for doing that. We really put a little bit of fear into the Americans. But the Americans had too much horsepower and putted really well."