Another Shinnecock Open? Not yet

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. - The only slot for a possible U.S. Open return to Shinnecock Hills would be 2018, after announcements made Wednesday by the U.S. Golf Association. Officials confirmed speculation that the 2017 event will be held at Erin Hills outside Milwaukee and added the surprise news that the 2019 Open will return to Pebble Beach. Pebble Beach will be marking its 100th anniversary in 2019.

Officials gave no hint about their inclination for 2018. USGA president Jim Hyler said the association has many more offers. When he was asked about the club in Southampton that helped establish the USGA and the Open, Hyler said, "We want to go back to Shinnecock, absolutely."

A return would erase a sour taste left after the 2004 Open, which ended with some greens and fairways burned out. "That's certainly on our mind," said Tom O'Toole, USGA secretary and chairman of the championship committee.

It didn't sound like another Open at Bethpage is likely in the foreseeable future, even though the USGA touted its record of holding its greatest championship on public courses. Hyler did praise the Black as "a powerful course venue" and said "we want to go back there at some point," he mentioned that the USGA prefers to go to fast, firm courses.

Chip shots

Lucas Glover said it doesn't seem like a year since he won the Open at Bethpage, "But reality set in when I had to send the trophy back" . . . Former teen phenom Ty Tryon, a qualifier in Maryland last week, said he decided on a whim to drive all the way to California with his wife and child rather than fly.