Golf Courses: Chambers Bay

What a fun one this is--a certain golf bucket list item. Chambers Bay, located on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, brings Scottish style links golf to the northwest.  The course was built on the site of a former sand and gravel mine, a fantastic way to rejuvenate the scarred landscape which was degraded after a century of industrial uses.  The course is part of a 930-acre reclamation plan developed by Pierce County as an engine for economic development. The Architect Chambers Bay is the first course designed in the state of Washington by golf architect Robert Trent Jones II.  "RTJ2" is the son of one of the most famous golf architects in history, Robert Trent Jones Sr.  RTJ2 utilized existing landforms as a base and moved sand to create playable areas and aesthetics.

"We moved one and a half million cubic yards of material to craft the dunes, hummocks, fairways and other playable areas, and then veneered the playable area as well, so that the entire surface is like a sandy green in condition, playing firm, where the ball runs out on the ground. It is NOT target golf." ~Robert Trent Jones II

True Links Just like the links courses in Scotland, this course is next to a body of water.  The course is a walking only facility, meaning no cart paths to ruin the beautiful landscape or scuff precious Titleists. Caddies are available. From a shot making standpoint, the links style presents many options for players of all abilities.  Players may choose to play holes "American" style in the air, or "Links" style on the ground.  Course shaping/dunes/hills allow for multiple creative ways of getting around the track. 2010 US Amateur & 2015 US Open In 2010 Chambers Bay hosted the US Amateur Championship, won by Peter Uihlein. Currently, RTJ2's team is tweaking some of the holes in preparation for the upcoming 2015 US Open.   If you are planing on taking the trip to Chambers Bay to play, be sure to check the web site for renovation information as some holes may be closed or may have temporary greens. Stats There are five sets of tees at Chambers Bay.  The tips which will be used for the US Open, the teal tees, measure at 7,585 yards.  Course rating from the teal tees is 76.8 with a slope of 142.  In other words, you'd better be a pro to play it all the way back.  But that's what the shorter tees are for.  Players of all abilities can enjoy a round without getting beaten to a pulp.  The easier white tees for instance, measure at just over 6,000 yards with a rating of 70.0 and a slope of 130.  Very playable. Contact Chambers Bay 6320 Grandview Dr W University Place, WA 98467 Toll Free: 877.29.LINKS (5-4657) Direct: 253.460.GOLF (4653) http://www.chambersbaygolf.com