Padraig Harrington's disappointing US Open campaign ended on a relative high as he birdied the 15th, 16th and 17th holes before parring the last.
Harrington, the top-ranked European, struggled all week
They were his first birdies for 48 hours and could only improve his score to 15 over for the tournament.
The 32-year-old Irishman was eight over for his round after just 13 holes.
Sweden's Joakim Haeggman suffered all day, however, and a quintuple-bogey nine at the 10th was the lowlight of an 83 that left him 22 over for 72 holes.
Haeggman said: "I think they could have been a little easier on us. It's just bloody hard.
"I thought this would be the greatest chance of winning a US Open and I'm 22 over.
"They are the toughest greens I've ever played on - my caddie and I bounced balls on the practice green and caught the balls without them making a pitch mark."
Alex Cejka, another European Ryder Cup hopeful, also endured a dreadful final round. The German carded an 85 to sink to 23 over.
But the story was brighter for Sweden's Daniel Chopra, as he posted a 75 to reach the clubhouse on 12 over and a finish in the middle of the pack.
Despite being off the pace all week, Harrington put a brave face on his disappointing performance.
"I did have fun - a strange sort of fun. I spent most of the day trying to break 80," he said.
The dubious distinction of being the top European at Shinnecock Hills went to Sergio Garcia, although a tie for 20th after a fourth-round 80 reveals just how hollow that accolade is.