Scioto Wants 2017 PGA

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Dave Shedloski reports:

According to one Scioto CC official, Scioto is putting in a bid to host the 2017 edition, and although the course itself sits on approximately 120 acres, there is sufficient room around the rest of the property, including a mammoth driving range, for all of the hospitality tents and structures that come with hosting a major championship.

"Suffice to say golfers who were critical of the first two holes and a few blind shots on Erin Hills will be pleasantly surprised."

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Gary D'Amato updates us on the latest changes at Erin Hills and talk of the course possibly landing the 2017 U.S. Open.

Regarding the changes, is it odd that there isn't much talk anymore about architects Hurdzan, Fry and Whitten having a major hand in the work? Just course owner Bob Lang and contractor Bill Kubly are quoted.

Regarding the U.S. Open, it's reportedly a done deal, it will be fun to see if Lang lands the Open after what has to go down as one of the least subtle major campaigns ever (though there is always The Donald).

"Consider the worst-kept secret at the annual meeting"

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Jim Gorant on news that Cherry Hills would be awarded a U.S. Amateur, once thought to be a stepping stone to the U.S. Open but in this case, a compromise:

These days most Open courses play at about 7,500 yards, but that's at or close to sea level. At Denver's mile-high elevation, Cherry Hills would have to be stretched to at least 8,000 yards to play like 7,500. At 7,500 it plays more like 6,900. That's roughly the same length as Merion, which hosted the '07 Amateur and will welcome the Open in '13, but Merion is the exception. If you don't think so, consider the worst-kept secret at the annual meeting: The USGA will most likely award the '17 U.S. Open to Erin Hills, outside Milwaukee, a sea-level course that can be stretched to more than 8,000 yards.

"Now it's a survival hole"

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Teddy Greenstein loves the Rees-ification of Cog Hill, and I must say, it sounds like a good thing that it's next BMW Championship will be a playoff event, otherwise the boys would stay home. Thanks to reader Nick for the story, which includes this item on the new-look finishing hole:

The par 4 at Cog Hill's signature course was difficult, playing to a 4.135 average during the 2007 BMW Championship, but still lacked a certain fear factor.

The greenside pond looked good on TV but was barely visible to the pros. They made only eight double bogeys in the event's 260 rounds played.

"Now it's a survival hole," touring pro Garrett Chaussard said.

On a recent cool, windy day, Chaussard marched back to a new tee box that stretches the hole to a sinister 501 yards. He flushed a drive and still needed his 2-hybrid to reach the green from 220 yards out.

Chaussard, a University of Illinois product whose 2008 highlight was qualifying for the U.S. Open — though his 80-82 missed the cut by 13 shots — said the hole's new design makes it far more intimidating.

As part of Rees Jones' $5 million redesign, the tee box at No. 18 was moved back and to the left, making the pin visible — if you have 20/20 vision.

The green was lowered, thinned out and brought within spitting distance of the pond, leaving two bad options for the long approach: short (water) and long (deep bunker).

Jones' brilliant redesign is aimed in helping Cog Hill land a U.S. Open. Numerous bunkers have been added, deepened or reshaped to add ferocity to the layout, which could play at more than 7,600 yards.

Sounds so creative and inspired!

"We've been approached by several groups, let's put it that way."

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Confirming what has been long rumored, Mark Herrman reports that Sebonack is in the running for a significant tournament.

"We've been approached by several groups, let's put it that way. But there's nothing definite yet," said Michael Pascucci, the club developer and owner, who went to high school with Jim Brown at Manhasset and is chairman of Channel 55.

Mike Davis, the senior director of rules and competitions for United States Golf Association, said Pascucci called even before the course opened in 2006 and that the two have met at the site. "Nothing really is set," Davis said. "I'd say right now we're really in the investigative phase." He did add that the whole golf landscape in that part of Southampton "is kind of a magical place."

Well, except in the middle of the night!

I smell a U.S. Women's Open. 

"There have been preliminary discussions about Erin Hills hosting the event in 2017"

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gwar01_080328erinhills.jpgThere wasn't much new ground to cover, even for a pro like Gary D'Amato who filed a Golf World profile of Erin Hills. I believe it's the 400th piece recounting the history of the public gem outside Milwaukee designed by Hurdzan-Fry-Whitten. Except this:

The USGA has made no secret it is trying to identify a Midwest course for the U.S. Open, and Erin Hills meets all the criteria. There is plenty of land for infrastructure; it's a public course (green fees are $160); the sandy sub-soil encourages a firm, fast turf; and it can be stretched to a titanium-testing 8,266 yards. (Indeed, multiple sources tell Golf World there have been preliminary discussions about Erin Hills hosting the event in 2017.)

I find it a bit hard to believe they would go there so soon after Chambers Bay, especially since the course needs some pretty significant changes, according to my sources.