Talked to a few parties in the last few weeks about the standing of Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place for the 2010 U.S. Amateur, and 2015 U.S. Open.

The USGA, including champions director Mike Davis, came out to visit the 18-month-old course in September, and reaffirmed changes he wants to see completed for the U.S. Am, which is only 19 months away.

Also, I got out and played The Home Course in Dupont, the No. 2 course for the U.S. Am, and saw a couple new tee areas shaped out. We're only a few months away from seeing the foundation go in for a banquet hall, too.

[More:]

I'll be writing a story in the next week or so that you can read in The News Tribune.

Some of the highlights from Chambers Bay:

· New tee boxes will be built on Nos. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 15 and 17 to give the USGA added flexibility for its championships.

· The plan on the scenic par-3 17th is to shorten the right-side tee box to bring the entire green in view. It would play nearly 155 yards as opposed to the 215 or so it plays way back.

· The green on the par-5 fourth will be restructured (and will close sometime in March for general play). One of the reasons is to soften up some of the slopes so the green can hold approach shots. Also, a few of the high dunes on the south side of the hole will be leveled to allow sunlight on the green. The putting surface will be enlarged as well.

· Both Davis and Pierce County project planner Tony Tipton alleviated some of the concerns about the fescue grass development on the course. The amount of fertilizer has been bumped up for the fescue on the mounds. Tipton also said the county and KemperSports Management are reassessing maintenance practices to help with the wear and tear on the greens (like alternating cutting and rolling greens every other day as opposed to daily).

· Davis said the par-5 18th is expected to play as a long par-4 for the U.S. Am, and new bunkering will be added down the right side to catch errant drives. Tipton noted that in Davis' pre-championship notes, the par-5 13th might also be changed to a par-4.

· A permanent clubhouse likely won't be in place for the U.S. Am. Davis said that will not be a concern at all for the U.S. Open in 2015 as the association will bring in all the necessary housing and hospitality accommodations for players, sponsors and USGA officials.