1. My point about the distance between Chicago and Erin Hills is that Erin Hills is close enough for the USGA to sell hospitality to Chicago companies. The USGA can sell their $200,000 and $300,000 tents to Chicago companies and on the Erin Hills property, they can accomodate as many tents as they can sell. While Milwaukee might be able to support an occasional major championship once in a while (ala Ocean Course for Charleston and Savannah), it's proxiity to Chicago is what is driving 2 PGA's and a Ryder Cup to Whistling Straits in such a short time. I applaud the USGA bringing the Open to as many regions as possible, but they need to be within "hospitality" distance to a major city to sell their tents. Otherwise, I would be looking forward to watching an Open at Bandon Dunes some day - which would be incredible.
2. Paul - I think the reports about the USGA's concern with Olympia Fields are documented enough. Further, not being in the picture in 2017 seems to indicate that the USGA had problems with it. I did not mean to diminish Congressional as a golf course. However, it is hosting the AT&T for the foreseable future, which I think greatly reduces its chances of hosting another Open anytime soon.