The World number one had to be close to his unrivalled best to hold off a brave fightback from Spain, as partner Mark O'Meara struggled to a six-over 77 on the final day.

Woods also walked away with the international trophy for the lowest individual score by a record margin to claim his tenth individual title of a year and take his season's winnings through the seven million Dollar mark.Woods' four-round total of 263, 21-under par, was nine better than New Zealand's Frank Nobilo, improving by one shot on Sam Snead's eight-shot winning margin in Peurto Rico in 1961.

With O'Meara struggling badly, the run allowed the Spaniards, who had started the day seven behind, to move into a one stroke lead that must have severely tested the Americans' nerve.

Woods' response was swift and decisive. Four straight birdies from the turn piled thepressure back on to Spain. Spain dropped four shots in three holes from the tenth to allow the Americans to re-establish their stranglehold on the title. It was the 22nd time the united states had won the tournament, which has been played 45 times since it began as the Canada Cup in 1953.