Branden Grace is confident he can get over the line in a Major Championship after putting in another impressive performance at the US PGA Championship.
The South African secured his fourth top five Major finish in the last seven and put himself in contention in the final round at Baltusrol Golf Club with four birdies before a bogey on the 16th stalled his momentum.
The seven-time European Tour winner finished at nine under - five shots behind winner Jimmy Walker - but feels he is getting closer to claiming one of golf's big four tournaments.
"I feel I'm progressing pretty nicely," he said. "I think I'm getting more confident as the Majors go on.
"It was a little bit tough. I was a little bit disappointed with The Open this year. I thought I played some decent golf but it wasn't one of those golf courses that really suited me. I couldn't get my eye around the place.
"I came here this week, I thought this is a place I can do well. I played great the first day, was just unlucky, maybe that cost me.
When I tee it up now, I feel I can win a Major. If you are coming into a Major with that mindset, you know you are going to do well - Branden Grace
Henrik Stenson won his first Major title just two weeks ago at The Open and was in contention to go back-to-back at the turn before a double-bogey on the 15th scuppered his chances.
The past fortnight has been a whirlwind for the 40 year old and he admits that may have been a contributing factor as he fell short this week.
"The week took a lot of energy out of me," he said. "We haven't got time to recharge.
I'm pretty pleased that I was one of the guys up there contending this week. I'm going to take a lot of positives out of that - Henrik Stenson
"Mental fatigue or just not my day, it's hard to say, but I didn't play my best today and I needed to bring a better game to have a chance."
Martin Kaymer finished alongside Stenson at eight under to secure his fifth top ten in eight European Tour events and the German does not feel a victory is too far away.
"The last couple of months I've played really, really good golf," he said. "I couldn't really get over the finishing line of winning a tournament but it's just a matter of time and putting four good rounds together.
"I struggled a little this morning but overall, I'm very happy with the tournament and a top ten in a Major is never bad."
Tyrrell Hatton continued his recent good form as a closing 68 handed him a seven under par total and a share of tenth. That follows on from his second place in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and tie for fifth at The Open Championship.
The Englishman is now hoping his rich vein of form can eventually translate into a first European Tour win.
"Three really good weeks, it's really good for my confidence," he said. "World class fields.
"Hopefully this is just a start for me and I can continue doing well in big events and hopefully get my first win sometime soon."
