State Of The Game Podcast 57: Jay Blasi And Chambers Bay

Credit is always a fickle topic in golf architecture and in our brand name universe, more often than not the primary creators are generally overlooked. While Robert Trent Jones Jr. II is the architect of record, his staff obviously does most of the vital work while Bobby travels the world wooing clients. In the case of Chambers Bay, host of the 2015 U.S. Open, Jay Blasi was the on-site man who practically lived in University Place and sweated over the construction details. He's now on his own and involved with some exciting projects.

He joins Rod Morri, Mike Clayton and myself to talk about the course, the politics, the strategies and the upcoming U.S. Open. The MP3 link is here. The permanent link here. Or you can listen below, and wherever podcasts are provided.

Most Amateurs In The U.S. Open Since 1981

Doug Ferguson's AP notes column features several good notes this week, including a U.S. Open Sectionals item on the 17 amateurs who will tee it up at Chambers Bay.

It's the most since 1981.

Also worth keeping an eye on at this week's FedEx St. Jude's Classic, the top 60 world ranking cut off:

Andy Sullivan of England is No. 56 and Kevin Kisner is at No. 57. Neither are playing this week. Kisner tweaked his back on his first shot he took on the range Thursday at the Memorial, though he said it felt better by Sunday. He withdrew from the qualifier and said if he falls out of the top 60, he probably could use a week off, anyway.