Andy North, the 1978 champion, won his second U.S. Open title by a stroke over runners-up Dave Barr, Chen Tze-chung, and Denis Watson.

But at the 5th hole, disaster struck for Chen as he saw his lead dissolve in unique fashion.

[2] His approach shot from the fairway found deep rough well short and right of the green.

Unnerved by the mistake, Chen proceeded to bogey the next three holes, and North took a one-stroke lead over Barr at the turn.

For the tournament, he had just nine birdies, the lowest by a champion in post-World War II U.S. Open history.