Robbed of top players who defected to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, the depleted Internationals were expected to be easy pickings for a highly-touted American squad.

But the biennial showdown was far from the blowout predicted ending in a respectable 17-1/2 to 12-1/2 score line at Quail Hollow in North Carolina on Sunday.

"They were fighting. Man, they were fighting," said International captain Trevor Immelman. "I hope fans out there really do appreciate.

"These guys have got massive hearts. Massive hearts.

"And I'll go to battle with them any day."

"Once some of these players who sit here for the first time or the second time start playing a few more and teams, that bond forms over years, I think we're not going to leave here disappointed. A Cup is coming our way soon." - Adam Scott.

The Internationals, with a record eight Presidents Cup debutants in their 12-man squad, kept the outcome in doubt until late into the final-day singles when Xander Schauffele beat Canada's Corey Conners 1-up to register the winning point.

Playing in his 10th Presidents Cup and yet to taste an Internationals victory, Adam Scott who won both his team matches on Saturday, went down to Patrick Cantlay 3&2 on Sunday.

The Queenslander confident Immelman has laid the ground for future success.

"It's just the beginning for this team, really," Scott said.

"I think you're seeing a lot of guys here who will be returning on the next one. If they don't, they will have tried their ass off to get on this team.

"Once some of these players who sit here for the first time or the second time start playing a few more and teams, that bond forms over years, I think we're not going to leave here disappointed. A Cup is coming our way soon."

Cam Davis impressed in his debut Presidents Cup, winning two team matches before running into a red hot Jordan Spieth in the singles. The American’s 4&3 triumph over Davis giving him a perfect 5-0-0 record.

"I think a lot of us younger guys are trying to get as many of those experiences as we can, and this is just a massive stepping stone in learning about yourself," Davis said.

"I mean we all want to be a part of this in the future because this was probably one of the most enjoyable experiences of our lives. So it's been unreal."