FRED COUPLES' game wasn't great, but his timing was. As Tiger Woods and Tom Watson matched birdie putts and raised the stakes, Couples sneaked in with a seven foot birdie putt to win £160,000 and his second consecutive US Skins Game title in California yesterday.

The dramatic putt at the 15th green, with money carried over from six holes, gave Couples a total of £185,000 for the two-day event.

Watson, at 47 the senior member of the foursome and 27 years older than Woods, played the best golf of the competition. After the final three holes of regulation and one play-off hole were tied, Watson made a six-foot birdie putt on the second play-off hole for £80,000, giving him a £142,000 pay cheque overall.