"We think (the change in ownership) is a very positive thing in the sense that it will now be properly capitalized."

Gary D'Amato settles the questions about the Erin Hills ownership change: the USGA approves and it approves big time.

Though Lang is selling Erin Hills to Milwaukee businessman Andy Ziegler, the USGA considers it a seamless transition and remains high on the potential of the 3-year-old course in the Town of Erin.

In fact, the USGA championship committee on Friday presented eight potential Midwest sites for the 2017 U.S. Open to the executive committee, and Erin Hills was on the list.

"It's such a special site," said Mike Davis, the senior director of rules and competitions for the USGA. "We love Bob Lang and think the world of him, but we think (the change in ownership) is a very positive thing in the sense that it will now be properly capitalized."

The USGA is expected to vote on the 2017 U.S. Open venue at its annual meeting in February and announce the choice in June. Erin Hills is considered a front-runner.

Brad Klein notes the new ownership's walking only policy and yet another design change.

In the past year, the course underwent modification that reworked three greens, tweaked numerous fairway contours and added more than a dozen bunkers. According to Hurdzan, more renovations are planned for this fall, with a handful of bunkers slated for removal. Moreover, the par-5 10th hole will be shortened to a long par 4; that will entail removal of a blind, fallaway Biarritz green and its replacement by a new putting surface closer to the tee on a knoll.

Erin Hills Gets New Owner!?

This strikes me as odd on many levels, then again, I've never understood Erin Hills as a possible major venue with Whistling Straits having a grip on the region and so many variables in play. Gary D'Amato reports:

Andy Ziegler of Mequon, the co-founder and CEO of Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, has reached an agreement to purchase the course from Bob Lang.

"I'm buying it individually," Ziegler said in a telephone call from London. "There are no Artisan partners involved. We may close as early as Friday of this week. I will be the 100% owner of the golf course."

We've been told over and over again that Erin Hills was a lock for the 2017 US Open, but unless the USGA was somehow consulted on this sale and gave a thumbs up, it's hard to see how this reinforces the supposedly inevitable decision. (One that some have suggested might be announced as soon as next June.)

Ryan Herrington notes that the Erin Hills-gets-major talk has quieted down a bit but also points out that former USGA Executive Comittee member Jim Rinehart is now part of a board at Erin Hills, as reported by D'Amato:

Ziegler said he would be the chairman of a newly established board of directors but would not be involved in the day-to-day operation of the course. Jim Reinhart, a former vice president of the United States Golf Association and a former minority partner in Erin Hills, will serve on the board, Ziegler said.

This is also a reminder of the perils in courting major venues so far in advance, particularly those where the course is untested and may be relying on the awarding of a major to ensure survival.

And it's just a stunner because Lang has been so intimately involved in every facet of Erin Hills, including recent course changes that were intended to comfort the USGA.

Perhaps there's now a glimmer of hope for Cog Hill and Southern Hills, Midwest venues with more stable ownership situations? Or maybe Rinehart's involvement seals the deal for Erin Hills?

Scioto Wants 2017 PGA

Dave Shedloski reports:

According to one Scioto CC official, Scioto is putting in a bid to host the 2017 edition, and although the course itself sits on approximately 120 acres, there is sufficient room around the rest of the property, including a mammoth driving range, for all of the hospitality tents and structures that come with hosting a major championship.

"Suffice to say golfers who were critical of the first two holes and a few blind shots on Erin Hills will be pleasantly surprised."

Gary D'Amato updates us on the latest changes at Erin Hills and talk of the course possibly landing the 2017 U.S. Open.

Regarding the changes, is it odd that there isn't much talk anymore about architects Hurdzan, Fry and Whitten having a major hand in the work? Just course owner Bob Lang and contractor Bill Kubly are quoted.

Regarding the U.S. Open, it's reportedly a done deal, it will be fun to see if Lang lands the Open after what has to go down as one of the least subtle major campaigns ever (though there is always The Donald).

"Consider the worst-kept secret at the annual meeting"

Jim Gorant on news that Cherry Hills would be awarded a U.S. Amateur, once thought to be a stepping stone to the U.S. Open but in this case, a compromise:

These days most Open courses play at about 7,500 yards, but that's at or close to sea level. At Denver's mile-high elevation, Cherry Hills would have to be stretched to at least 8,000 yards to play like 7,500. At 7,500 it plays more like 6,900. That's roughly the same length as Merion, which hosted the '07 Amateur and will welcome the Open in '13, but Merion is the exception. If you don't think so, consider the worst-kept secret at the annual meeting: The USGA will most likely award the '17 U.S. Open to Erin Hills, outside Milwaukee, a sea-level course that can be stretched to more than 8,000 yards.