"I came home on a huge high and was a little bit disappointed by some of the comments," said the 27-year-old from Northumberland, who in his first major in America was joint leader with a round to go before slipping to sixth.

"It's taken some of the shine off. They were basically saying that if I had had a better attitude I would have done better.

"I tried harder than I've ever tried. To lead was a huge, huge achievement for me and I feel I can hold my head very high."

The comments during Sky television's coverage of the last round were that Ferrie harmed his chances by being too hard on himself.

"I got into that position by being very hard on myself. That's how I am. A 76 on that course is no disgrace and to do that well on what is maybe the hardest US Open course ever does my self esteem no end of good."

Ferrie has moved on to Gleneagles for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles starting tomorrow.

It will be no light relief after last week's fearsome test.

"I've gone from 95 degrees heat to 95mph winds," he said after a pro-am which had to be suspended later because of the weather. "This course is pretty tough at the best of times."