Chambers Bay...Pure Links Golf

First opened for play in June 2007, Chambers Bay has gone on to become one of the most celebrated new public golf courses of the last ten years, and probably of all time!  Certainly, the USGA's awarding of the 2010 US Amateur and 2015 US Open to a course open less than one year is unprecedented.  But, one trip here will make it clear why so much praise has been heaped on such a new facility.

Set on the shores of Puget Sound, just south of Tacoma, WA, Chambers Bay was constructed on the site of a former gravel quarry.  Left behind, after many years of mining, were tons of gravel and sand (can you say waste bunker) and one lone fir tree.  And the waterfront setting that was so efficient for transporting all that gravel, makes an even better backdrop for golf. 

Once the mining was through, the property was purchased by Pierce County, and after several years of deliberation, it was decided to use a portion of the 900+ acre site to build a golf course --but not just any golf course.  Led by Pierce County Executive, Jon Ladenburg, the county council was persuaded to construct a world-class facility.  One that would attract golfers from around the country and the world -- and with the guidance of architect Robert Trent Jones II you'd have to say, "man did they succeed!"

A one-of-a-kind experience - Golf at Chambers Bay is totally unique: from a setting that affords Puget Sound and island views on virtually every hole, to a links-style design with huge dunes and waste areas.  Like many courses in the UK, there's a walking-only policy that forces you to get out into nature (bald eagles are seen regularly, and sea lions heard) and experience it all.  You'll never forget your trip here.  The only downside, if there is one, is that you'll be taking on some elevation changes that make playing 36 holes in one day a Herculean task --even with the assistance of one of the course's well-trained caddies.  Most golfers will want to test another nearby track using a "buggy" for their second round.  But circle back to Chambers Bay for sunset and a beverage or two on the course's restaurant patio.  The view across the Sound to Fox Island and to the Olympic Mountains beyond is SPECTACULAR!

Pure Links Golf is more than a slogan at Chambers Bay.  The turf found on the fairways, in the rough, and even on the putting surfaces is Scottish-inspired fescue.  Most greens are open in front, encouraging the classic links ground game, for those who have it.  And with the turf seeded on top of a 12-inch layer of sand, Chambers Bay is the premier wet-weather facility in the Northwest and can reasonably be played in a downpour!  Of course, links golf should also conjure up images of flagsticks bent sideways from the roaring winds, and indeed, Chambers Bay is totally exposed to the elements -- but strong winds are the exception rather than the rule here.  Either way, you will experience, pure links golf at Chambers Bay.  It's an experience not to be missed -- you can be sure Tiger, Phil, Vijay, and the rest of the touring pros won't, come 2015!

Awards and Accolades

• Best New Course of 2007 - Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine
• #8 of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play
• Best New Public Course - Golf Digest Magazine 2008
• Development of the Year for 2007 - Golf Inc. Magazine
• Best New Course of 2007 - Golfweek Magazine
• Best New Course of 2007 - Golf Magazine Readers Poll
• Selected to host 2010 US Amateur Championship
• Selected to host 2015 US Open Championship

Chambers Bay...by the numbers

 

Par:  72

Cost:  $$$ - $$$$ (daytime), $$ - $$$ (twilight)