| Tournament information | |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 17–18, 1898 |
| Location | South Hamilton, Massachusetts |
| Course(s) | 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 | |
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Hunt Club
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Hunt Club
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]
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.
- ^ a b "Golf Experts to Meet". The Sun. June 17, 1898. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
- ^ a b c Brenner, Morgan G. (2009). The Majors of Golf: Complete Results of The Open, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and the Masters, 1860-2008. p. 201. ISBN 9780786453955. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
- ^ a b "Victory for Chicago golfers". Chicago Sunday Tribune. June 19, 1898. p. 6.
- ^ "Chicago golfers play well". Chicago Daily Tribune. June 18, 1898. p. 4.