US Open runner up Gregory Havret was keen to focus on the positives after missing out by one shot to Graeme McDowell.
Frenchman finishes second at US Open
US Open runner up Gregory Havret was keen to focus on the positives after missing out by one shot to Graeme McDowell.
Havret bogeyed the 17th and then missed a birdie putt at the last to allow McDowell the luxury of a closing par to seal his maiden major at Pebble Beach.
"Of course I'm a bit disappointed because I've been so close to heaven," said Havret.
"But anyway it's just great for me to be here."
The Frenchman's previous career highlight was victory in a play-off with Phil Mickelson at the 2007 Scottish Open, one of his three wins on the European Tour.
Slump
His game has since gone into freefall and he arrived at the second major of the season ranked 391st in the world.
The 33-year-old had only earned his place in the US Open field by holing a 50-foot putt at the final hole of the qualifying event.
"You know how golf can be. You know how life can be," he added.
Havret was paired with Tiger Woods in the penultimate grouping on Sunday, the first time he had played alongside the world number one.
After outscoring Woods by three shots, he said: "My first time with Tiger. It's quite something."
