A recent Associated Press story filed by the great Doug Ferguson suggests that The Barclays, the first event of the ever-popular FedEx Cup Playoffs, could be leaning towards moving their tournament to Bethpage Black.

However, there have been rumors that some of the Tour officials aren’t too keen on the idea? My question is why not?

For my money, the two US Opens held at the Black have been two of the best of the last decade. In 2002, Tiger Woods went wire-to-wire, holding off Sergio Garcia, while in 2009 Lucas Glover claimed his first major championship in a five-day rainfest, holding off New York’s adopted son, Phil Mickelson and a resurgent David Duval.

One thing is clear, though. Bethpage would much rather host another major championship before becoming just another Tour stop, although holding an event like The Barclays could be worse.

Soon after the Glover US Open of ’09 wrapped up, the Black began their campaign for another US Open. Unfortunately for them, all US Opens venues up until 2020 have been announced, with the exception of the 2018 Open.

The chances of Bethpage garnering that prize doesn’t sound very good if you believe new USGA director of rules and competition, and newly minted executive director of the USGA, Mike Davis.

“I’ve only heard rumors about it,” Davis said about a deal with Barclays and the Black. “I do know the Bethpage people have been looking at other events they could do. It’s fair to say that at least what we have named to date (for the U.S. Open), and what we will name in the very near future, won’t be Bethpage.”

So what’s the next best thing if the Black can’t snatch up the USGA major? Try and get the PGA’s, of course.

The next logical step for the Bethpage would be to show off their public golf course, and what better way than to have the best players in the world come through it once a year?

Ferguson reported that a person with inside knowledge, but who would remain anonymous (shocking!), said that the PGA and the Bethpage parks and recreation department are in negotiations, although the PGA wouldn’t comment on them (another shocker). Either way, it looks like it could be a distinct possibility that the tournament could be on Long Island next year.

The Barclays for 2011 is to be played at Plainfield Country Club, but if the Black Lady gets it in 2012, don’t be surprised if there are some PGA of America suits checking out the course for a possible PGA Championship down the road.