Lee Westwood believes he can use the lessons learned from his last round at the 2008 US Open to win his first Major at Bethpage Black this year.
The English golfer played alongside Tiger Woods last year at Torrey Pines. After nine holes of the final round, Westwood was in the lead, before three bogeys in four holes threatened to derail his challenge entirely.
The 36-year-old battled back and would have made the Monday play-off save for a missed 20-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole.
Woods went on to win the tournament, beating Rocco Mediate on the extra day.
"The putt slid by and it was really disappointing to miss out on the next day's play-off by a single stroke. But the way I was able to hang in there makes me incredibly optimistic that I can win a Major," Westwood said.
"I felt comfortable when I got into the lead and, even though I almost played my way out of it, I had a real chance over the last few holes.
"It wasn't that Tiger played out of this world to beat me. He just made fewer errors and perhaps I was trying that little bit too hard.
"He managed to win the tournament with a fracture in his left leg and a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) so you have to take your hat off to him, but he did nothing to make me think that I can't compete with him here if I get the chance."