"We're almost into May and a contract isn't even close to being done."

That's Mike Davis talking to Teddy Greenstein about the status of the USGA's midwestern venue negotiations and the prospects for Cog Hill.

Davis said the USGA has zeroed in on a Midwestern venue for the 2017 Open and the organization hopes to announce the winner June 16 on the eve of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

But before that can be done, USGA officials must be satisfied that the host venue has all the key logistics in place, namely hotels, parking and an unofficial pledge from local government officials to cooperate.

"We're almost into May and a contract isn't even close to being done," Davis said of the uncertainty regarding the selection.

Erin Hills, located 37 miles northwest of Milwaukee, remains the favorite. But the course is under new ownership and undergoing renovations that will keep it closed until late this summer.

"I'm thrilled that the world's best golf tournament is coming to the Midwest," Cog Hill CEO Frank Jemsek said. "It would be nice to have it in our neighborhood."

Jemsek, though, said he has not spoken to USGA officials since February, and that lack of communication tempers his hopes.

"I would be much more comfortable if they were talking to us," he said.