Will Shinnecock Help USGA Reclaim "Lost" U.S. Open Identity?

That's the question posed by Doug Ferguson as we head to Shinnecock Hills and after recent Opens and Chambers Bay and Erin Hills.

While I understand lamenting the loss of thick rough and narrow fairways, I do wonder if the lack of U.S. Open re-broadcasts on Golf Channel clouds memories of that past style of play. Yes, it was an "ultimate test" and very, very difficult, but the pre-Mike Davis U.S. Open setup approach had its faults.

While Ferguson's piece hits on the key arguments of some who miss the old U.S. Open, I sense folks are confusing the issues. Which are:

--Going to links style modern courses devoid of history (Chambers Bay, Erin Hills)

--Ending the days of six inch rough off the fairways and trying to eliminate setup boondoggles

--The brief move away from classic inland, tree-lined tests

--Player or former player disdain for the USGA and/or Mike Davis and venting

In considering the issues, the venue selections seem the bigger issue than all others for U.S. Open fans. Given the run of U.S. Open courses ahead, the identity may come back on its own.