1898 U.S. Open (golf)

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.^[1] Fred Herd captured his only major title, seven strokes ahead of runner-up Alex Smith.^[2][3]

DatesJune 17–18, 1898

LocationSouth Hamilton, Massachusetts

CourseMyopia Hunt Club

Organized byUSGA

Quick facts Tournament information, Dates ...

1898 U.S. Open

Tournament information
Dates	June 17–18, 1898
Location	South Hamilton, Massachusetts
Course	Myopia Hunt Club
Organized by	USGA
Format	Stroke play − 72 holes
Statistics
Field	45
Cut	none
Prize fund	$335
Winner's share	$150
Champion
Fred Herd
328
← 1897 1899 â†’

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Myopia  
Hunt Club

Location in the United States

Myopia  
Hunt Club

Location in Massachusetts

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.^[1] Herd trailed leader Willie Anderson by six shots after 36 holes on Friday,^[2][4] but his 75 in the third round on Saturday morning was the low round of the championship and gave him a six-shot advantage after 54 holes.^[3] Despite an 84 in the afternoon for 328, Herd prevailed over Alex Smith by seven, with Anderson finishing in third. Only Herd and Smith managed to break 80 in any round of the championship.^[2]

Herd's fondness for liquor was well-known; after his win, tournament officials required him to leave a deposit to prevent him from selling the trophy for drinking money. His brother Sandy won The Open Championship in 1902.