Well, the PGA failed to do the world a favor by yanking the 2008 Ryder Cup from Valhalla. But they did hand Whistling Straits the 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships along with the 2020 Ryder Cup, “subject to sufficient guaranteed quality hotel rooms,” whatever that means.

The fortuitous 2010 opening came about because the February 12-28, 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver presented "obstacles” with the August, 2010 PGA Championship slated for totally forgettable Sahallee.

Interestingly, the USGA’s annual winter meeting takes place in a few weeks and likely would have been a nice time to approve a 2012 U.S. Open at Whistling Straits. But Jim Awtrey and crew beat out David Fay and the Executive Committee. Fay has recently shown Tagliabuesque connivance when it comes to the venue leverage and negotiation game. (Making one wonder what good is he if he’s been outdueled by the PGA of America?).

Well, the good news for Olympic Club, Olympia Fields, Pumpkin Ridge, Riviera, Pinehurst and others hoping to be included in the 2012 Open fray: your main competition is locked up. And all thanks to the Winter Olympics!