Is The USGA Eyeing Chambers Bay For A 2025 U.S. Open?

I'd say no, especially since Merion is interested, but never underestimate the value of a West Coast venue for ratings and course setup control. The problems at Chambers are resolvable but could it follow a lineup of The Country Club, LACC North and Pinehurst No. 2?

John Strege at GolfDigest.com quotes Chambers backer John Ladenburg, whose political career cratered as a partial result of the creation of Chambers and who sees a future because of the USGA's employing of local economists. Though I think his point on a potential Women's Open is even more intriguing.

“I think the prospects are good,” he said of bringing the Open back in 2025. He said he would be surprised only if Pierce County did not make a bid.

He also had this interesting proposal: Bringing the U.S. Women’s Open there. “Our close connection with Asia here, we’re its major trading partner, I was telling the USGA that we could draw, 5000, 6,000, 7,000 visitors just from Korea, Taiwan and Japan, and could have the U.S. Women’s Open introduced to a whole broader audience than it is now.”