The United States retained the Presidents Cup after securing an easy five-point victory over the International team.

Needing to win only three of the 12 singles matches against the International team, the US made quick work of it - taking three of the first four matches at Royal Montreal.

Stewart Cink clinched the cup when he beat Nick O'Hern.

"I'm happy to do it," he said.

"We came in this week with a little score to settle in the international golf arena, and I think we showed we can play again."

He was referring to the Americans' recent poor Ryder Cup record, five losses in the past six encounters with Europe.

It is the first Presidents Cup victory by the US on foreign soil, following defeat in Australia in 1998 and a tie in South Africa four years ago.

Phil Mickelson posted the first American victory when he totally outplayed an out-of-sorts Vijay Singh five and four.

"It was important for us as a team to get off to a good start, because we don't want to lose momentum," said Mickelson.

Scott Verplank then moved the US within one point of retaining the cup when he edged Rory Sabbatini two and one in a tight match.

"I was a little scrappy (early) and then found something and started hitting the ball a bit more solid(ly)," said Verplank, who finished the cup with a perfect 4-0-0 record.

"I just love team golf. I have a pretty good record in the Ryder Cup and a pretty good record in this. I'm a pretty good team-mate - and I know how to pick team-mates too."

Ernie Els got the Internationals on the board, beating Lucas Glover two and one - before Cink delivered the winning blow.

The Internationals won the singles for the first time, taking seven of the 12 matches - but it was too little, too late.

At least Canadian Mike Weir gave the home fans something to cheer about, winning the final two holes to edge Tiger Woods one up.

"It looked like he was gone, and that's the mark of a champion," said International captain Gary Player.

Final score: United States 19.5 International Team 14.5

Singles (USA unless stated):

Scott Verplank bt Rory Sabbatini (Rsa) 2 and 1

Ernie Els (Rsa) bt Lucas Glover 2-up

Phil Mickelson bt Vijay Singh (Fij) 5 and 4

Mike Weir (Can) bt Tiger Woods 1-up

Angel Cabrera (Arg) bt Woody Austin 2 and 1

Adam Scott (Aus) bt Zach Johnson 2 and 1

David Toms bt Trevor Immelman (Rsa) 2-up

Stewart Cink bt.Nick O'Hern (Aus) 6 and 4

Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) bt.Steve Stricker 1-up

KJ Choi (Kor) bt.Hunter Mahan 3 and 2

Charles Howell III bt Stuart Appleby (Aus) 2 and 1

Retief Goosen (Rsa) bt.Jim Furyk 2 and 1