Dates | June 17–18, 1898 |
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Location | South Hamilton, Massachusetts |
Course(s) | Myopia Hunt Club |
Organized by | USGA |
Format | Stroke play − 72 holes |
Field | 45 |
Winner's share | $150 |
Fred Herd | |
328 | |
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1899»
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The 1898 U.S. Open was the fourth U.S. Open, held June 17–18 at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, northeast of Boston. Scotland's Fred Herd captured his only major title, seven strokes ahead of runner-up Alex Smith.
For the first time the U.S. Open was expanded to 72-holes, meaning the players had to complete eight loops around Myopia's 9-hole course. Fred Herd trailed leader Willie Anderson by six shots after 36-holes, but he managed to pass Anderson with a 75 in the third round, the low round of the championship. Despite an 84 over the last 18-holes, Herd managed to prevail over Alex Smith by seven, with Anderson finishing in 3rd place eight shots back. Only Herd and Smith managed to break 80 in any round of the championship.
Herd's fondness for liquor was well-known, and after his win tournament officials required him to leave a deposit to prevent him from selling the trophy for drinking money. His brother Sandy would win The Open Championship in 1902.
Saturday, June 18, 1898
Coordinates: 42°36′32″N 70°51′32″W / 42.609°N 70.859°W