Herbert Leeds

Herbert Corey Leeds (January 30, 1855 – September 29, 1930) was an American amateur golfer, yachtsman, and golf course architect. He designed the Bass Rocks golf course and Myopia Hunt Club golf course. Leeds tied for eighth place in the 1898 U.S. Open.

Early life Leeds was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 30, 1855. Leeds was born into a wealthy family and was a life-long sportsman, being adroit at both sailing and golf. thumb Leeds, who graduated with the Harvard class of 1877, stands back row far left. Future major league pitcher Jim Tyng stands back row second from right.

Career Sports Leeds was an amateur golfer. He tied for eighth place in the 1898 U.S. Open held at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, a golf course of his own design. He was on the Vigilant in 1893, the Defender in 1895.

His course at Myopia Hunt Club measured 6,335 yards and within the confines of the course Leeds made certain that pars would not be easy, let alone birdies. Golfers were challenged with myriad features on the course such as tall mounds, numerous deep sand traps, long blind carries, deep swales, and extremely quick greens. For good measure Leeds added multi-tiered greens and deep gnarly rough.

To further menace the players' wayward shots, Leeds added a pond and a paddock. The golf course was so difficult that in the 1901 U.S. Open not a single professional in the field was able to break 80 in any round. Willie Anderson's 331 for four rounds is a record that has stood for 114 years and counting and remains the highest winning score ever in the U.S. Open. He also designed the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina, completed in 1895.

Personal life Leeds died in Boston on September 29, 1930, at the age of 75.