Mahan proud of Dove Mountain record

Last updated: 25th February 2013

Hunter Mahan completed an incredible 169 consecutive holes without trailing at the Match Play Championship before he eventually went down against Matt Kuchar.

Having won the tournament without being behind on any holes in 2012, Mahan put up a brilliant defence of his title this year as he was always ahead in rounds one, two and three as well as the quarter-final and the semi-final.

However, his run came to an end against Kuchar on Sunday as he went behind on the par-four fourth during the final. Kuchar eventually went on to win the title 2&1.

The 30-year-old Mahan, though, could not have put up a better fight at Arizona.

"It's a pretty crazy stat," he said. "It's been a great run. I've had some good luck along the way, no doubt, but played a lot of good golf.

"I have a good sense of this golf course. I feel like I can play it well. I have confidence every time I step on the tee. To beat some of the guys I've beat the last two years I think is impressive, and I'm very proud of that fact for sure."

Mahan beat Matteo Manassero, Richard Sterne, Martin Kaymer, Webb Simpson and Ian Poulter en route to the final.

Asked if he was a better shape compared to last year when he beat Rory McIlroy 2&1 in the final, Mahan replied: "Without a doubt.

"I feel like I have more control, more understanding of my game than I did back then, than last year. Through the (weather) conditions, I might have played slightly better this year.

"I just had a bad stretch there where Matt didn't help me at all. He just made a bunch of pars and played really solid golf."