Ireland pair Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell could only manage a final day even-par 72 that saw them finish in a tie for fourth behind the United States at the Golf World Cup.
The disappointing final round meant they missed out on the last day for the second consecutive time after finishing runners-up to Italy in 2009.
Their final score of 21 under par left them in a tie for fourth with Scotland, Holland and Australia.
The United States won after a final round of 67 was enough for Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland to capture the title by two strokes from Germany and England.
Starting the foursomes two behind overnight leaders Ireland, Kuchar and Woodland carded six birdies and a bogey at the Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island to finish 24 under par and lift the trophy for a 24th time.
England enjoyed a strong finish to the tournament as Ian Poulter and Justin Rose returned a 63 that featured an eagle, eight birdies and a bogey to end 22 under, tied for second with Germany, who posted a 69.