David Hearn knows what it feels like to fall just shy of victory. Now, the 36-year-old Canadian golfer is ready to use that experience to take the next step in his career.

Hearn lost his second career PGA playoff at the Greenbrier Classic in July to Danny Lee. Three weeks later he came third at the Canadian Open after holding the 54-hole lead. 

Despite the narrow defeats, Hearn feels as though he is at the peak of his game as he continues to chase his first tour victory.

"It would be hard for me to tell you that this wasn't the best golf," Hearn told TSN.ca on Tuesday. "I've been a pro a long time and to be in the last group on Sunday at the Canadian Open is sort of a dream come true. And to have a chance to win the Greenbrier all in the last month — I think my game is in a great place."

Hearn has posted four top-10 finishes and eight top-25 finishes this season. He believes it's a matter of when, not if, he'll win an event.

"I've played a lot of tournaments and this is what I've worked hard for - to get to a point where I can be more competitive and have putts to win," Hearn said. "It's just a matter of time for me to make one and hopefully I'll get a few after that."

Hearn's next opportunity to have that putt will come at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, where he hopes to improve on a series of disappointing performances in his career at majors.  Since his first major (the U.S. Open in 2005), Hearn has missed the cut five times in eight major appearances. His best result came at the 2013 U.S. Open when he tied for 21st. He tied for 47th at the PGA Championship last year.

After the Canadian Open, Hearn hosted his annual charity event, which raised $114,000 for Alzheimer's research, before settling down for some much-needed rest after a busy month.

"It feels good to get the rest," Hearn explained, "and this week I'll get some good practice in and I'm excited about looking forward. The chance to compete at the PGA and then we have the playoffs after that. So, every event is a big one from here on to the end of the season and I feel real happy with where my game is at. 

"There's no better time to be playing well."

Hearn set two goals entering the season; to make the Tour Championship – which the top-30 money list leaders qualify for – and to be named to the President's Cup team in September. 

"I [the Tour Championship] is always a real sign you've had a great season, you don't have one or two good events, you play solid throughout the course of the season," said Hearn, who sits 42nd in the money list rankings. "It's the same thing with the President's Cup team, to think that you're on one of the top 12 players throughout the season is a real incredible achievement. So, that's on my radar. I was kind of slipping out of those rankings a little bit, but my good play in the last month has put me back in a spot where I can control my own destiny and, if I can put together some good events before the cutoff, I'd love to be on that team."

Hearn currently sits 23rd in the International President's Cup standings, but believes a spot is still well within reach.

"It's a fun goal to work towards and, if I keep playing the way I have been, I like my chances."

Hearn sits 42nd in the Fed Ex Cup rankings and 107th in the world, the second-ranked Canadian behind Graham DeLaet (91).