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 bogeyon 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.
They will be disappointed with their round-three four-ball format where they only managed a four-under-par 68 and lost pace with the field.
Hendry returns home today (Monday) to compete in the BMW NZ Open at Clearwater in Christchurch which begins on Thursday.
"There is a chance there for a Kiwi golfer to make a name for themselves by winning the New Zealand Open and joining some great names who have won that title,'' said the 32-year old North Harbour pro.
"I am really looking forward to the week at Clearwater.''
Omega Mission Hills World Cup Final Scores:-24 United States -22 England, Germany -21 Australia, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland -20 Wales -19 Spain, Korea -18 Zimbabwe -17 South Africa -16 Denmark, France, Mexico -15 New Zealand
