I thought it was an interesting article mapping out where the current "rota" stands.
My thoughts on his list;
Pebble Beach - Obvious, pencil in 2020 for a return visit despite who wins at what score.
Pinehurst #2 - I think the two best things that Pinehurst has going for it is that a) its in the "south" (as far south as you can go in June without sweating away) which represents a huge golf area/town, and b) its different than the usual US Open course with its lack of real rough. Perhaps Pinehurst was the start of the new kinder USGA???
Oakmont - Oakmont is pretty much the perfect Open site now that they cut all the trees down and let the course breath and show off itself to its fullest. I don't know where Geoff gets his ideas about Mike Davis cutting down all of the rough. I think if there is ever a course that deserves the full USGA treatment its Oakmont.
Olympic - It's in a major city, but being so close to Pebble and Torrey Pines I can see the USGA starting to come here once every 15-20 years instead of a 'rota.'
Merion - There is no way that 2013 will be the last time they visit. Players change, the game changes, but the best courses find new ways to defend itself and to create the best story-lines. The US Am there was awesome, the Walker Cup this summer should be a blast to watch, and I can't imagine the Open being any different. Even if the score is -35, rock on, it's Merion!
Congressional - I think it's biggest selling point is that it's in D.C., a big marget that they may feel compelled to go to every once in a while. I've never seen the course, but for the most part it seems the pro's like it. I can see the USGA taking a long break before returning.
WFW - I would say it returns around 2025-2030 when the membership has turned over a bit and ready to host again.
SH - Probably closer to 2025, and I'm betting the USGA returns here before BPB.
Bethpage - The US Open will return there eventually, the USGA has invested too much in the site not to. But I don't think we will see the 7 year return like we did the last time.
Torrey Pines - I can't imagine them not going back there again eventually with the show that was put on last year with Tiger. If Rocco won? We probably wouldn't be talking about a return trip this century. Weather isn't a factor and Geoff is right when saying that east coast prime time TV is huge for the USGA.
Chambers Bay - I have no idea about the turf problems he notes. I'm actually still not sure why they acutally picked it for an Open. It looks like a cool course from the pictures I've seen, but maybe it was from the pressure to get to the Northwest for the first time.
Erin Hills - All signs are pointing to 2017, but I think it has alot to do with how the US Am goes. Cog Hill was all ready to go for the 2003 Open when they hosted the 1997 US Am, which didn't go so well and the Open went to OFCC (at the time the right choice).
Trump - No chance.
Cog Hill - They sure have a US Open course now, and it's in the #3 market in the country. They won't ignore it forever.
Riviera - Would be a cool site, but I think TP will get another Open before.
Cherry Hills- I would think it would be cool, but everyone seems to think its impossible because its too short.
Inverness - It's in Toledo, which doesn't help. But the golf course is there.
TCC - I wouldn't sleep on Brookline. As if I were a betting man I would think they would return to Boston with a few tweaks to the course (length). I think they should of gone there in 2013 as well, but 2023 is a possibilty as well.
OFCC - I still think OFCC was and is a cool Open site. It's in Chicago, there's tons of space, and the golf course is pretty darn good.
and
Bellerieve - Watch for Bellerive to get either an Open or a PGA in the next 20 years. STL has been hosting mid-large 2nd tier USGA events for years (including this year over at Old Warson) and eventually the USGA is going to return the favor. Plus, the STL golf fans go nuts when they actually get an event as witnessed by the huge turnout for the Western last fall in the rain. (Talk about a course getting nailed with rain and still holding up a little bit without major-like conditions).