U.S OPEN WILL STAY AT CONGRESSIONAL

     Despite "stinging criticism" of the greens this week at the
Senior Open by some of the game's top players, officials at the
USGA and Congressional Country Club said this weekend that the
'97 U.S. Open "will be played as scheduled."  USGA Senior Dir of
Rules and Competitions David Eger:  "The USGA and Congressional
have an agreement to play the '97 Open championship right here.
It's a written, signed agreement."  USGA Exec Dir David Fay:
"It's more than just saying it's a signed contract."  Fay sought
to "put any rumors to rest" the USGA was unhappy and looking
elsewhere for '97.  Fay:  "This is not a case of well, we bought
the car, now we're stuck with it" (Leonard Shapiro, WASHINGTON
POST, 7/2).