The New Zealand team of Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison has finished in 16th place at the World Cup of Golf at Mission Hills in China after a one-under 71 in the foursomes in the final round.
The Kiwis were heading for a top-10 finish but a costly double bogey on the 17th saw them slip back six places to a 15-under-par total, nine shots back from the winners the United States.
The US team of Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland carded a five-under-par 67 to finish on 24 under par to hold off the challenge of England's Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, who managed a nine-under 63, and Germany (69) by two shots.
It was the first time the USA had won the trophy in 11 years.
But the Kiwis should take huge confidence from their week in China where they competed with some of the name players in world golf.
