Dolch: Grading the winning efforts for the U.S. Team

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Hunter Mahan had a breakthrough week in his fifth international team competition, winning four of five matches.

It was a collective effort that enabled the Americans to retain a firm grip on the Presidents Cup. The U.S. took an early lead it would never relinquish during its 19-15 victory over the International Team at Royal Melbourne.

PRESIDENTS CUP

Final wrap-up
Scores
Player records
Video: Highlights
Furyk's big week
Norman reflects
Verdi's Views

But it's time to take an individual look and hand out grades for the Americans' performance Down Under. (Players are listed in order of points earned.)

Jim Furyk (5-0-0) -- All you had to see was the emotion that poured out of Furyk to understand how much this week meant to him. By becoming the first player 40 or older to go a perfect 5-0-0 in the Presidents Cup, Furyk showed once again he's one of the most tenacious performers in golf. And one of the classiest as he immediately praised teammate Phil Mickelson for the leadership he showed during their three matches together. GRADE: A+

Hunter Mahan (4-1-0) -- This was Mahan's fifth international team competition, but perhaps his most important after he lost the deciding point in last year's Ryder Cup. Mahan teamed with David Toms to win twice in routs, then added a victory with Bill Haas. Mahan finished the week off by dominating local hero Jason Day, winning five of the first eight holes. Mahan showed why he was a captain's pick in his first two Presidents Cups. GRADE: A

Phil Mickelson (3-1) -- In addition to his strong leadership role (see above), Lefty teamed with old partner Furyk to win three matches together before getting rested for just the third time in eight consecutive Presidents Cups. Mickelson's loss to Adam Scott in singles was his only blemish. GRADE: A-

Webb Simpson (3-2) -- Simpson was noticeably nervous when he and partner Bubba Watson lost two of the first four holes in the week's first match. But after some calming words from Watson, the pair clicked and won the crucial first match to pave the way for the Americans' strong week. Simpson also played well during his singles loss to K.T. Kim. GRADE: B

David Toms (3-1) -- Toms hadn't played in an international team competition since 2007, but he showed he still has plenty of game left at 44. Toms was so dominating, three of his four matches didn't make it past the 14th hole, including a 7-and-5 victory over Robert Allenby in singles. GRADE: A-

Bubba Watson (3-2) -- It hasn't taken Watson long to get comfortable in pressure-packed situations. Playing in just his second international team event, he could sense partner Simpson was a little overwhelmed by the moment. But he helped him relax and the pair won two of their first three matches to give the Americans an important early push. GRADE: B

Nick Watney (2-1-1) -- Watney got off to a rough start as he and fellow Presidents Cup rookie Bill Haas halved their first match and lost their second. But after getting a session off, Watney rebounded by teaming with Furyk for a win, then defeated K.J. Choi in the singles. GRADE: B

Steve Stricker (2-2-0) -- Stricker showed he was rusty after a seven-week layoff due to neck issues when he struggled in his first match. But he rebounded with a resounding win in Day 2. Captain Fred Couples showed his confidence in Stricker by placing him last in singles, and Stricker delivered with a clutch win over Y.E. Yang. GRADE: B

Tiger Woods (2-3-0) -- Woods was the lone American to lose his first two matches, which wasn't validating his controversial captain's pick. But he teamed with Dustin Johnson for a big win in Saturday's foursomes and then, once again, played his best golf of the week in singles. Woods made six birdies and just one bogey in beating Aaron Baddeley to win the deciding point. GRADE: C+

Bill Haas (1-3-1) -- Couples' other captain's pick had a difficult week, winning just one match in five tries. But it easily could have been much different because he was the only player to have all five matches go to the 18th hole. Haas didn't "lose" to Geoff Ogilvy in singles; Ogilvy beat him with clutch birdie putts on the last two holes. GRADE: C

Dustin Johnson (1-3-1) -- This figured to be a tough week for Johnson, who was working with his third caddie of the season and hadn't played well since he won The Barclays. After opening with a halve alongside Kuchar, Johnson went 1-2 with Woods. GRADE: C

Matt Kuchar (1-3-1) -- Kuchar actually won more holes (19) than he lost (18) during the week. Problem was, he lost three close matches and teamed with Stricker to win in a blowout. With a break here or there, Kuchar could have had a much different record. GRADE: C.

Craig Dolch is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily represent the views of the PGA TOUR.