Background
Herd was born in Street Andrews, Scotland, on 24 April 1868, to a golfing family. He had brothers who were also golf professionals.
Herd was born in Street Andrews, Scotland, on 24 April 1868, to a golfing family. He had brothers who were also golf professionals.
Herd was the club professional at Huddersfield Golf Club from 1892 to 1911. He had a three shot lead after 54 holes, but nearly let the title slip out of his hands by scoring an 81 in the final round. Harry Vardon and James Braid both had medium length putts at the final hole to force a play-off, but they missed and Herd took the Championship.
In 1920 he became the oldest runner-up in The Open before Tom Watson in 2009.
Herd"s appearances in The Open Championship spanned fifty years, his last appearance being at Street Andrews in 1939, when he was 71. On that occasion he failed to qualify for the tournament.
Herd died in London, England, of pneumonia on 18 February 1944.