The Loop
Sources: 2018 U.S. Open headed back to Shinnecock
BETHESDA, Md. -- Between now and 2019 there is only one year in which a U.S. Open venue has not been named. That opening, though, is expected to be filled Wednesday morning when the USGA holds its annual pre-championship press conference at Congressional CC.
USGA officials would not comment on what course will be awarded the 2018 Open, but sources familiar with their thinking say Shinnecock Hills GC in Southamption, N.Y., is the choice.
The toney Long Island club has previously hosted the national championship on four occasions--1896, 1986, 1995 and 2004--but it was the last visit that had become infamous. During the final round, several of Shinnecock's greens, most notably the par-3 seventh, dried out to the point where course officials were forced to water them between groups in order to keep them from dying.
Criticisms from players and media alike over the affair caused the USGA executive committee to establish a 14-point, course set-up philosophy to guard against a repeat occurrence.
Though the USGA had brought the Open to the New York City area three times between 2004 and 2009 - the 2006 Open was at Winged Foot in suburban Mamaroneck, N.Y. -- taking the championship to Shinnecock will be the first time it will go back to the market since Bethpage held the 2009 Open.
*--Ryan Herrington