In another signal that the United States is serious about reclaiming its former golf dominance, Americans Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland rallied to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in Hainan, China.

Gary Woodland and Matt Kuchar, Omega World Cup champsThe pair’s victory was America’s 24th overall in the event, but its first since Tiger Woods and David Duval captured the trophy in 2000. It also followed the U.S. defeat of the International squad in the Presidents Cup one week prior.

Starting the final round two shots behind the formidable Irish team of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, Kuchar and Woodland ran home six birdies in the alternate-shot format, closing with a 67 and 24-under-par total. That was two better than England and Germany, while Australia, the Netherlands and Scotland matched Ireland’s -21 figure to tie fourth.

The steady Kuchar and explosive Woodland proved quite a pairing. They seized a two-stroke lead at Sunday’s midway point before giving a shot back at the par-3 11th. Birdies on 12 and 13 rebuilt the advantage, which they maintained the remainder of the round.

“We really clicked,” said Woodland, one of golf’s longest drivers. “It’s fantastic to win for the U.S.”

England’s Ian Poulter and Justin Rose turned in the final round’s best performance, a 9-under 63. Meanwhile, McIlroy and McDowell struggled to an even-par 72, derailed by four bogeys and a handful of uncharacteristically sloppy shots.

This week, an all-star cast will assemble in Thousand Oaks, California, for the Chevron World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods.

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