Where Do They Go From Here?

One Hit Wonders?

Chambers Bay: Conditioning issues with the slow-maturing fescue grasses should be resolved by next year's U.S. Amateur, but if the turf is still poor and the USGA begins to get anxious about a course that may not be friendly to spectators, look for Chambers to join Champions as one-hit stumbles. Northwest location means prime time coverage and a happy network.

Erin Hills: The favorite for 2017 has seen its original Hurdzan-Fry-Whitten design undergo extensive (and expensive) changes to get ready for the 2011 U.S. Amateur. Owner Bob Lang has done everything the USGA has asked but the business side of the organization still has concerns about spectator enjoyment traversing the steep dunes.

Lurking Not-So-Quietly

Trump National Bedminster: Does the USGA really want to get in bed with Donald Trump? They are putting up with his overtures, playing plenty of golf at a course around the corner from Far Hills and bringing joint boys and girls junior Amateurs there this summer. But it's still hard to envision the uber-tacky Donald landing an Open.

Cog Hill: The friendly Jemseks are doing everything imaginable, including a Rees Jones redo of Dubsdread with all the bells and whistles. That would have been great a few years ago, but Reestorations don't carry the same weight they used to. The real problem here is with Cook County and the USGA's grave concerns about working with lame bureacrats. Still, a nice Midwest back-up if they get cold feet on Erin Hills.

Riviera: The USGA loves the course, weather and chance for prime time ratings but hates taking the Open to regular tour stops in a market that some still think is too close to San Diego. Kikuyu grass, traffic and space restrictions need to be worked out. That said, the Noboru Watanabe-owned club is learning to play the USGA game better. A U.S. Amateur is almost required if you want to host the Open and the club has reportedly intimated that they want one.

Cherry Hills: Back in the game by hosting the 2012 U.S. Amateur. Renaissance Golf Design's recent restoration work might help the USGA look past cramped quarters and the altitude's impact, even at a new back tee yardage of 7,500 yards.

Inverness: Another great old club and course trying its best to stay in the tournament game with the 2011 U.S. Senior Open. But is it good enough to sacrifice income with limited space?

Quiet Lurkers

The Country Club: The long-awaited 2013 U.S. Amateur announcement should finally happen soon. Many are still unhappy that the club and USGA didn't work something out for a 2013 Open return on the 100th anniversary of Francis Ouimet's epic win. A few prominent club members are thought to be wondering the same thing. And the USGA needs a Boston-area return now and then.

Southern Hills: When the USGA soaks up Keith Foster's impressive restoration during this year's U.S. Amateur, they may look hard again at inviting the Tulsa course to host another Open.

Never Again?

Baltusrol: A PGA Championship venue in 2016 and probably beyond. Even though it's so close to USGA headquarters and New York City, don't expect an Open here anytime soon (see also: Medinah, Oak Hill).

Olympia Fields: The 2003 Open wasn't a disaster, but the North Course just doesn't excite enough to jump up this list. Executive Committee member Steve Smyers boldly updated the club's South Course and it should get a look for a future USGA event.

Bellerive: The USGA would love to come to St. Louis, but as with Olympia Fields, the Robert Trent Jones slog just doesn't inspire.