UNIVERSITY PLACE, Washington — Two years ago, Hunter Mahan went into the final round of the U.S. Open at Merion just one stroke off the pace and held a share of the lead with four holes to go before falling back into a tie for fourth.
Mahan signed off with a five-over-par 75 in difficult scoring conditions, but said later that he was happy with how he swung the club, maintained composure and stayed in contention for the title on what he described as "a brutal" day.
That tie for fourth remains his best finish, so far, in a major championship and he is banking on using that experience at Merion to his advantage when he tees off in Thursday's opening round at Chambers Bay in the 115th U.