USGA Expected To Award '18 U.S. Open To Shinnecock Hills

The USGA today at its annual pre-U.S.Open news conference is expected to announce that the tournament will return to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island in '18. The course hosted the U.S. Open in '86 and '95 "to good reviews," but the most recent one in '04 "ended in controversy over the way the USGA allowed the course to dry out" (NEWSDAY.com, 6/14).

Ralph Lauren runs a full-page ad in the N.Y. Times congratulating golfer Luke Donald for being ranked No. 1 in the world and wishing him luck in the U.S. Open. The ad also features the copy, "Happy Father's Day." Rolex runs a U.S. Open-themed full-page ad in this morning's N.Y. Times and Financial Times showing a classic golf action shot and an image of the clubhouse at Congressional Country Club, site of this year's event (THE DAILY).

Meanwhile, President Obama has invited three golfers to the White House for a "meet-and-greet" today. Obama reached out to Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Davis Love III "through the PGA of America" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/15).