GCA makes headlines in Topeka

[Ken Moum]

It's not often you see architecture headlined in a local paper, but I suppose that having Ron Whitten living here has influenced it some.

Ron's role at Erin Hills was the focus.

http://cjonline.com/sports/golf/2010-07-10/us_open_nod_delights_topekan

K

[Tim_Cronin]

This on top of RW recently having been named to the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame!

[Phil McDade]

Nice bit of revisionist history by Mr. Whitten here. $50 green fees at Erin Hills were never envisioned (there is not a single course opened in the past 10 years in Wisconsin with green fees that low). The clubhouse is not opulent, but befitting an upscale, public course -- and far less onstentateous that some clubhouses built in recent years in Wisconsin. Much of the reworking that's been done at Erin Hills -- like the bunker additions -- have come in consultation with, if not the direct ordering from, USGA officials in preparation for the upcoming championships there. Whitten may not like the revisions, but it's not his course, and it wasn't his idea to land the US Open there.

[Link Walsh]

I think it's pretty much accepted though that the owner went much futher with changes than what the USGA suggested after the girls junior.  I wonder how much, if any, of the changes were actually undone.  Hopefully, someone will be able to share some pictures of version 3.0 sometime soon. 

[Phil McDade]

Link:

It's opening July 31st. There are several photo threads on Erin Hiils, available through the search function here, that depict the course in its various stages, including some post-junior girls tourney.