As the U.S. Open Wraps Up, the History of the First Playoff in Hamilton

As the U.S. Opens enters the final day, a look back at the history of the event in Hamilton.

Sunday is the final day of the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Penn. as Phil Mickelson hops to hold on to his lead for his first U.S. Open win. The annual golf championship this weekend has prompted a look back at the history of the event, recalling the first-ever playoff in the U.S. Open, which happened at Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton. In 1901, the first of 33 playoffs in U.S. Open history saw Willie Anderson win by one shot over Alex Smith with an 85 in 1901, according to a compilation of the five best playoffs in U.S. Open History compiled by ABC News.

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William Joseph Whelan, 82, Avid Golfer, Business Owner, Grandfather to 19

Obituary for William Joseph Whelan, 82, of Hamilton and Vero Beach, Fla.

William Joseph Whelan, 82, born and raised in Lynn and a 55-year-resident of Hamilton died peacefully Saturday evening, Feb. 9, 2013 in Vero Beach, Fla. surrounded by family. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 59 years, Jean (Mullen). He will be deeply missed by his six children, their spouses and his adoring grandchildren: William J. Jr. (Natalie), and their children Amanda, Kevin, and Jack; Terrance (Michele), and their children Alexandra, Christopher and Megan; Ellen Shaughnessy (Keith), and their children Megan, Michael and Kari; James (Francine), and their children Allison, Annie, William and Kailee; Mari Schoder (Thomas), and their children Katie, Thomas and Ginny; and Thomas (Jule) and their children Molly, TJ and Teddy. He also…

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Patch Facts

Five Things to Know Today in Hamilton and Wenham: June 18

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Monday, June 18. Here are five things you need to know: 1. Another nice one: The forecast on Monday calls for a sunny day with temperatures near 70 – much like the beautiful day we had on Sunday. 2. Children’s Programs: Registration for summer programs at Hamilton-Wenham Library starts on Monday. Registration needs to occur at the library for programs such as Baby Bookworms and Dream Big with Bryan plus the Super Summer Ice Cream Party. No registrations will be accepted by phone, e-mail or on the website. 3. School Committee: The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee typically meets on Thursday night, but it breaks that tradition and meets at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District offices. The …

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Generals Sports Roundup: Rain Doesn't Stop The Wins for the Golf Team

The Generals golf team comes up with another win on Thursday before rain halted the match.

The Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School golf team kept cruising on Thursday with a win over Pentucket High School to remain undefeated. Girls’ Soccer: Amesbury, 1; Hamilton-Wenham, 0. The Hamilton Wenham (1-6) girls’ soccer team lost to Amesbury High School on the road, 1-0, on Thursday. Golf: Hamilton-Wenham, 94; Pentucket, 85. In a rain-shortened match at Myopia Hunt Club, the Generals (9-0) had top performances from Brian Nicoll, Joe Merrill, Ryan Richard and Luke Farley. Coaches: To report your scores, send games scores and game summaries to Hamilton-wenham@patch.com.

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Summer's Back Nine

Myopia 12th: The Most Difficult Hole Around

The 12th hole at Myopia Hunt Club's golf course is listed in "Golf's Toughest 100."

Hole: 12th,Valley Hole Course: Myopia Hunt Club Location: Wenham Par: 4/5 Yards: 446 (mens); 439 (seniors), 453 (ladies) If the 12th hole at the Myopia Hunt Club Golf Course was an opponent then it would already have landed a right hook before you even put your tee in the ground. It’s mesmerizing and scenic 360-degree views puts the golfer in a relaxed state not ready for what is going to happen next. And what is next is an upper cut that will knock you back a few steps. The “Valley Hole,” as it is named, is in Chris Millard’s book, “Golf’s 100 Toughest,” which lists the most difficult holes in the world. It is certainly the most challenging on this course as its 1 handicap attests. The length is daunting: 446 yards and a par 4 for men, …

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Myopia Assistant Pro Earns Alternate Spot At Championships

Joe Rocha could be heading to Club Pro Championships in California in 2012.

Joe Rocha has a knack of coming through when the pressure is on. And he's hoping to get a chance to show his ability to be cool under pressure at the 2012 PGA Club Professionals Championship next summer at the Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Club in Seaside, Calif., just outside of Monterey. The assistant pro at Myopia Hunt Club Golf Course followed a playoff win at the Boston Open at William Devine Golf Course in Franklin Park, on the NEPGA circuit last month with an extra holes victory during the NEPGA Championship at Pinehills Golf Club on in late August. The latter earned him a top 15 finish and the second alternate for the 2012 championship. It was a bittersweet finish for Rocha, a Lynnfield native and a resident of Beverly. He finished …

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Myopia Golfers to Raise Money for Special Olympics on Thursday

A daytime golf tournament and evening auction at Myopia Hunt Club on Thursday is expected to raise about $50,000 for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Generals Golf Improves to 4-0

The Generals golf team claimed 190-130 victory over Lynnfield on Friday to stay undefetaed.

Prior to his team’s match versus Lynnfield on Friday, Hamilton-Wenham golf coach Billy Corley said his team has averaged close to 170 points in its first three matches. And he said that was a pretty hefty amount. That trend continued for the Generals when it ousted visiting Lynnfield, 190-130, at Myopia Hunt Club. “We had a great team effort today,” said Corley, whose squad improved to 4-0. Tom Conville paced the Generals with an even par good for 36 points in the Modified Stableford point system used in the Cape Ann Leauge. Ryan Richard, a fellow senior captain with Conville, had 35 points and Luke Farley, the lone sophomore in the team, finished with 34 points. All eight varsity players go 9 holes and the top six scores are counted. …

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Summer's Back Nine

Short Par 3 At Myopia Still A Mighty Challenge

The 136-yard 9th hole at Myopia has small, well-bunkered green.

Hole: 9th (Pond Hole) Course: Myopia Hunt Club Golf Course Location: Hamilton Par: 3 Yards: 136 (mens); 130 (seniors), 128 (ladies) The 9th hole at Myopia Hunt Club Golf Course is not too long – 136 yards from the men’s tees. But a pond right in front of you and bunkers surrounding the entire small green and if you don’t hit itstraight and on the green you are most likely in trouble. For these reasons the Pond Hole is one of the top 100 holes in America, according to Golf magazine. Along with the 4th hole, Myopia is the only course in New England to boast two holes on the list. “If you hit your ball straight then you have no problem,” said club pro Bill Safrin. “If you don’t hit it straight then you can look at a double or triple bogey …

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Summer's Back Nine

Myopia’s 4th Hole Has Toughest Green

A "gathering bunker" on this week's local golf hole may suck up any misplayed putt.

Hole: 4th (Miles River Hole) Course: Myopia Hunt Club Golf Course Location: Hamilton Par: 4 Yards: 398 (mens); 360 (seniors), 327 (ladies) You can take your friend’s word. And you can take a playing partner’s word. But when the history books show that a professional player 10-putted a hole then you know the green is the toughest around. During the 1905 U.S. Open a player once took 10 putts in order to get the little white ball in the round hole. That is difficulty at its best. Miles River, as it is named after the river that runs along the left side of the fairway, is the 398-yard, dogleg left, par 4 on the course that starts long, bends left and then finishes with all sorts of challenges. According to Golf Magazine, it is rated as one of …

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