2018 is still open for Open

               Shinnecock Hills has a shot to be a U.S. Open venue again before the end of the decade, but only one shot. In an expected move, the USGA just announced that Erin Hills in Wisconsin has been awarded the 2017 Open (the next available one). And in a surprise move, the USGA also announced that it will be bringing the Open back to Pebble Beach in 2019.

                That was rare. The USGA doesn't usually make an announcement so far in advance. But officials said this was the time to do it, on the eve of the Open at Pebble Beach. There's a captive audience and officials at the club and USGA liked the idea of being dramatic.

                So Shinnecock's only hope is 2018 and there is no telling how close the two sides are on an agreement. USGA president Jim Hyler did just say a few minutes ago, "We want to go back to Shinnecock, absolutely."