Fred Couples has played in three Presidents Cups

His opposite number Gary Player caused a surprise by selecting Australia's Peter Lonard and South African Trevor Immelman to complete his 12-man team.

Leonard and Lonard were next in line for selection according to the final Presidents Cup standings.

Couples and Immelman were chosen for their displays in this year's majors.

The match at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Lake Manassas, Virginia from 23-25 September pits the US team against a team of players from nations outside Europe

"Freddy has had a wonderful year and, with his experience, it was difficult to leave him out of my team," said Nicklaus, the winner of 18 majors during his career.

Player admitted he had been impressed by the performances of his fellow South African Immelman during the year.

"He is truly an international player, a great shot-maker and an extremely focused young man.

"He is a very good team member and has played exceptionally well in the major championships this year," he said.

US team: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, David Toms, Kenny Perry, Chris DiMarco, Jim Furyk, Fred Funk, Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, Scott Verplank, Justin Leonard, Fred Couples.

International team: Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, Adam Scott, Angel Cabrera, Tim Clark, Michael Campbell, Stuart Appleby, Mike Weir, Nick O'Hern, Mark Hensby, Peter Lonard and Trevor Immelman.