Mark Sheftic had led after the second and third rounds of the PGA Professional National Championship at Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., and figured he would be heading for a playoff after striking his six-foot par putt at the 72d hole.

But the putt slid by to the left, leaving Sheftic, a resident of Ambler and a teaching pro at Merion Golf Club, with a cruel bogey, and a tie for second place.

Sheftic, 34, who carded a 2-over-par 73 at Twin Warriors Golf Club, finished at 6-under 278 at the 42d annual PNC, a stroke behind champion Mike Small of Champaign, Ill. Small, the golf coach at the University of Illinois, fired a 3-under 68.

There was a consolation prize for Sheftic, however: invitations to next month's PGA Championship and to the U.S. PGA Cup team that will go against a team of European club pros in September.

"It was disappointing when the putt didn't go in," Sheftic said in a telephone interview. "But you know what? I'm not disappointed. I didn't choke. I executed the shots [on 18] better than I thought I would."

Overall, Sheftic said he felt the experience was the best he's ever had in golf.

"I wished I could have closed it out," he said. "But I'm a pretty positive person. I'm playing in the PGA Championship and I qualified for the PGA Cup. . . .

"And I can't begin to express my emotions at how many people back home - Merion members, club pros, good friends - called to wish me well. I feel guilty not getting back to everybody. This was the experience of a lifetime."

Also winning an invitation to the PGA was Keith Dicciani, a Philadelphia native who plays out of Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, N.Y. Dicciani had a 73 and tied for eighth at 280.

The PGA Championship will run from Aug. 13 to 16 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. The PGA Cup will take place Sept. 18 to 20 at the Carrick in Loch Lomond, Scotland.

Contact staff writer Joe Juliano at 215-854-4494 or jjuliano@phillynews.com.