Note To Shinney and The Foot: Torrey Pines "Still In The Conversation"

So don't think you'll be getting a sweetheart deal on the 2018 date...Doug Ferguson reports:

"It's still in the conversation," USGA executive director David Fay said in an interview last week.

Whether Torrey Pines belongs in the same tier as Pebble Beach, Oakmont and Pinehurst No. 2 is up for debate. Even though its championship featured an unforgettable duel, so did Valhalla for the 2000 PGA Championship.

Even so, the course has what it takes - plenty of room, plenty of interest.

"Every time we announce an Open site or sites, people look at that as, 'My God, what about these other worthy candidates who weren't picked? Does that mean they're gone forever, out of favor?' That's not the case at all," Fay said. "Torrey Pines and the city of San Diego remain interested, and we remain interested."