Garcia goes to the US Open on the back of a win

"I'm hitting the ball well and my putting is starting to come around," said Garcia.

"It has been improving slowly for the past month. It's just a matter of hard work and keep believing in myself.

"I've always enjoyed the US Open. It's one of the majors I have the best chance of winning."

The Spaniard remained sixth in the world golf rankings but closed the gap on US Open champion Retief Goosen in fifth as Tiger Woods regained the top spot from Vijay Singh.

Garcia had his best putting performance since 2002 in Sunday's final round in Carolina.

He needed only 24 putts as he won by two strokes from Australia's Adam Scott and Americans Ben Crane and Davis Love III to receive a boost ahead of Pinehurst.

He is bidding to be the first European since Tony Jacklin in 1970 to win the US Open and Sunday's win was his third triumph in a week before the US Open.

Garcia's best major showing was his 1999 PGA Championship second place to Tiger Woods at the age of 19, but he remains confident that winning a major is a matter of when, not if.

"It really doesn't bother me. I know what I'm capable of doing. I know what my limits are," he said.

"I'm not worried about it at the moment. I know I'm going to have chances.

"It's a matter of having the right week. I'm not worried. I'm pretty sure it's going to happen. I don't know when but it's a matter of time."