Putts drop for Tiger after teammate's tip

The putts finally dropped for Tiger Woods as the former world number one got back to winning ways in America's defence of The Presidents Cup against the Internationals at Royal Melbourne on Sunday. Frustration over lipped putts and losing matches dissolved as Woods blitzed Australian Aaron Baddeley four and three in the singles to claim the winning point in the US team's 19-15 victory over the Internationals. The 14-time major winner, who has not won a tournament in two years, said that some putting tips from teammate Steve Stricker had turned things around on the demanding Royal Melbourne greens on the decisive day in the teams event. "I played well (this) week, unfortunately I didn't putt well," Woods said. "I didn't make putts. I hit putts well, but they just weren't going in. Caught a lot of lips the first three days, first four matches. "Today was a different deal. I for some reason felt it and they were pouring right in there." Woods said Stricker helped sort out his putting demons with a couple of observations that proved crucial in his change of fortunes. "Stricks gave a little lesson on the putting green and whatever he says about putting, I'm going to do," Woods said. "So all of a sudden, I found my natural body position, I started seeing the lines, my (putter) toe started moving again, I could feel the release and just felt really good. "Now I've got a week off and play Chevron, so really looking forward to that," he said, referring to the World Challenge at Thousand Oaks, California starting on December 1. It was a more assured Woods who sank five birdies in 11 holes to easily overcome Baddeley, wrapping up the contest at the 15th. "I was hoping it wasn't going to come down to us," Woods said of the winning point. "I was telling Stricks, I was hoping we could have a victory lap back here (last groups) and play the last few holes and have a celebration. "We didn't have a good start as a team, and just thought it was going to come down to DT (David Toms), myself and Stricks. "We needed to make sure we put some red up (US wins) there early and give the boys up in front of us some kind of comfort that we have got their back right behind them. "For some reason it just came down to my match." Woods, who only got into the US team as the captain's pick after just eight USPGA Tour events this year because of injuries, was praised by team captain Fred Couples. "He was ready to go this whole week. He was ready for a month," Couples said. "A lot of people have asked why I picked him and how he was going to play. "Certainly, I couldn't answer how he was going to play but this week I think he showed to himself that his swing is back and he's healthy, and that's more important to me. "Obviously, we want to win the Cup, but it's more important for me to have people realise that he can play the game and not worry."