Chambers Bay
University Place, WA
Making the most of a work trip, we rented a car and embarked on a foggy, early morning drive from Capital Hill to Chambers Bay.
One of the more unique sites to host a US Open, Chambers Bay has lived many lives before becoming a golf course. From rock quarry to paper mill to lumber company to sand & gravel mine to regional wastewater treatment plant to golf course, the muni has seen it all. Throughout your round, you will notice non-golfers walking around; a public hiking trail winds through the course leading to a nearby park. A true muni, Chambers belongs to its community.
Traversing its' hills, you will quickly realize that Chambers Bay is a pure links-golf experience. Making your way through the dunes, you will encounter elevation shifts leading to some of the most unique views in golf. Your creativity and depth perception will be challenged throughout the round. You won't lose many balls, but you will attempt shots that will make you wonder how you found yourself on this patch of the planet.
Set on the shores of the Puget Sound, a railroad line runs along the property; the colorful train adds even more character to a strong stretch of finishing holes as it wizzes by 15, 16, 17, and 18.
The Golfers Journal referred to Chambers as a giant sandbox. They nailed it. As fun, as it is challenging, it's hard not to enjoy yourself regardless of how you play.
Have your rain gear packed no matter how much sun the weather report teases you with. Wear your most comfortable shoes; Chambers is walking only and is very firm terrain. A pushcart is included in your greens fee and is something we recommend taking advantage of.
It's remote. Get creative and find a way to get here.
Public: Course Website | Opened: 2007 | Designer: Robert Trent Jones II
