At 40 years old, this U.S. Open may be Jeff Maggert’s best chance to win a major. He just may have to bend his patient, conservative game plan to chase it.

“I don’t think I can have the mindset that I can play par golf and win. I need to shoot a few birdies,” said Maggert, who’ll enter today’s third round at 5-under.

That this is Maggert’s third Open at Shinnecock should lend some urgency to his quest. The two-time PGA Tour winner has come close in an Open before, finishing tied for fourth here in 1995, along with a fourth in 1997 and a third in 2002 at Bethpage.

Still, the big one has eluded him.

“I’ve had a great career,” Maggert said. “I’m not complaining at this point. I’ve felt I could have won a few more tournaments and possibly a championship. I’m looking forward to the next 10 years.

“If I play tough and hard, hopefully I can get one of these.”

Maggert shot 3-under 67 at Shinnecock yesterday, taking what was presented.

“You have to be a little bit more conservative and accept the fact that you’re not going to make eight birdies,” Maggert said.

“I’m taking a lot of pars and accepting that par is a good score.”

Maggert played his first pro tournament here in the 1986 U.S. Open, and opened with a discouraging 81, cut the next day. In ’95, he charged home with a 66 after Saturday’s 77.

This is his 14th Open, and the time is now.

“If I keep doing the things I’ve been doing, I have a chance on Sunday,” Maggert said.