Major Changes

A few readers wondered why I haven't posted the recent news about Cog Hill and Chambers Bay. Frankly, I'd like to say I was digesting the material but really, I just forgot.

First, Len Ziehm in the Sun Times, writing about Cog Hill possibly reopening this fall after a Rees-toration.

''With God's help, we'll be open this fall,'' said Jemsek, who at least would like to give 50 groups of players who had permanent tee times a sneak preview of what's ahead for them in 2009.

The long-term goal of the $5 million renovation is to bring a U.S. Open to Cog Hill -- the dream of late owner Joe Jemsek, Frank's father. Rees Jones, the architect known as the ''Open Doctor'' for his ability to ready courses for major championships, thinks it will happen.

''This is a major championship venue now,'' Jones said. ''I've done 11 [major venues], and this will be the 12th. It's very helpful that the BMW is played there because the players will see how much it's improved. It's been a wonderful experience for all of us.''

At least he's not counting his major venues! I wonder if he includes Bellerive in there?

The news from Washington is a bit more confusing. From the Chambers Bay website:

Course improvements planned to begin by December 2008, and scheduled to be finished by Spring of 2010 include: a) construction of a new practice facility, b) construction of new tees on holes 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 15, and 17, c) rebuilding many of the sand bunkers to develop and maintain the "Tillinghast-like bunker edges" envisioned by RTJII, d) enlarging the green of hole 15, and e) removing noxious and invasive broadleaf weeds in dunes as well as planting new fine fescue turf to cover dunes where planting has been sparse.

Tillinghast bunker edges should be interesting, especially since he had about four different styles.