Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus teamed up for a 3 and 2 triumph over Sergio Garcia and Lee Trevino in Palm Desert, California, in the "Battle of Bighorn" on Monday. The made-for-television event matched one of the former greats with a partner from the modern era.

"Golden Bear" Nicklaus was paired with the star who idolised him as a child, one who is well on his way to breaking Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles.

"If he stays healthy and focused, he will break all my records, that's for sure," Nicklaus said. "I don't think there is too much I can give him as far as advice."

Woods (26), found himself living a fantasy by joining Nicklaus in winning $600,000 each. Garcia and Trevino took home $250,000.

The 18-hole, better-ball match was completed under portable lights at Bighorn Golf Club, the latest in an annual series of US prime-time golf television specials with Woods as the centrepiece under a deal he signed with the Walt Disney Company.

Woods had by far the most impressive night, grabbing nine birdies in 16 holes and twice being denied the chance to even attempt his birdie efforts by Nicklaus holing his first.

Nicklaus may have had the shot of the night at the ninth, sticking a seven-iron within a foot of the cup.

Woods birdied the 10th to put himself and Nicklaus three up. Garcia birdied the 11th to halt his rivals' four-hole win streak and trim the deficit.

But both he and Woods missed eagle efforts at the 12th, and Garcia missed another putt on the 13th to put Woods-Nicklaus three up.

Garcia and Woods halved 14 and 15 in birdie, and matters were settled at 16. Woods missed a birdie putt to win, but then Garcia missed his effort to keep the match alive.