Reminder: "U.S. Open Groupings" Show On Fox Sports 1 Friday

Reminder is probably a tad strong since this is likely the first you've heard about the inaugural pairings party U.S. Open style.

Trying to keep an open mind here, but I'm fearing that the first ever USGA groupings show airing Friday on Fox Sports 1 is little more than a chance for Executive Committee members to get some air time and fumble names.

From Fox's press release today on US Open air times and announce teams (a later post on that and other viewer news is coming):

Build-up to the championship begins Friday, June 12 at 2:00 PM ET on FOX Sports 1, with a special “U.S. Open Groupings” edition of AMERICA’S PREGAME, where groups for the following Thursday’s opening round are revealed on the air. On Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 PM ET, THE DRIVE TO THE OPEN special airs, spotlighting some of the amateurs and professionals that won sectional qualifiers to earn their way into the major championship field.

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.