Played Sat 6/25, 9am tee time. The center piece of the Seattle golf trip. And what a course it is. It's a wierd setup, as you have to shuttle down from the clubhouse to the 1st tee. The course is... Continue »

Played Sat 6/25, 9am tee time. The center piece of the Seattle golf trip. And what a course it is. It's a wierd setup, as you have to shuttle down from the clubhouse to the 1st tee. The course is right on the Sound. If you look towards the course, it's a big Old Mac vibe, and then when you look out of the water, you get a big Edgewood Lake Tahoe vibe. The course itself is more like Old Mac, no trees. Rolling wide fairways. Lots of bunkers. Caddy was great. He said the course was struggling for a few years and they got it back to good shape recently. I tend to agree. Greens smooth and true, rolling about a fast 10, slow 11. I would play here anytime. Some people say it's better than Whistling, I disagree, and compare it to Old Mac... Nonetheless, a great course and a great time.

Played Friday 5/27 to kick off a wedding weekend in the Seattle area. The pro shop and parking lot sit elevated above the course, with a shuttle taking you down to the 1st tee/warmup areas, so the ent... Continue »

Played Friday 5/27 to kick off a wedding weekend in the Seattle area. The pro shop and parking lot sit elevated above the course, with a shuttle taking you down to the 1st tee/warmup areas, so the entire course is visible from up there. One word: WOW. I have never been so enamored by beauty while simultaneously nervous as I was at that moment.

All grass range and two putting areas were just off to the side of the 1st tee, with a refreshment station located just adjacent. The course is walking only and had push carts available that were included in the green fee.

Tee boxes were perfect, fairways provided great rollout while still giving some fantastic lies to hit from. Rough was being grown out for the Women's Amateur in August and was penalizing. Sand traps were immaculate even though they appeared damp (it's the PNW, everything is damp). The course was fair and gettable if you kept it where you should be, but that was a BIG "if" and missing by as much as 5 yards could send you 40+ yards offline.

A couple memorable moments from the day: On the short par 4 12th hole (262 on the card, uphill the whole way, playing about 280) I hit a drive that started right and drew perfectly with the shape of the hole, hitting just short and kicking onto the green. Our group caddie with us said it would be close depending on where they cut the hole that day and it ended up being about 15-20 feet below the hole. Left to right bender that I left in the jaws about 3 inches short for what would have been my first ever eagle.

On the par 5 18th, I hit a drive into a left fairway bunker, just to the right of the lip about halfway up the bunker. Hit what I thought was a perfect 9 iron to leave myself a 3rd shot into the green, but it rolled into what our caddie called "Chambers Basement", a 15 foot deep pot bunker smack dab in the middle of the fairway about 110 yards to the pin.

All in all, had a fantastic time and can't wait to play again.

Played in a 2-day tournament with the Veterans Golfers Association 10/1 and 10/2. I like to think I've played a variety of golf courses in my time. However, to say Chambers Bay is unique is the un... Continue »

Played in a 2-day tournament with the Veterans Golfers Association 10/1 and 10/2. I like to think I've played a variety of golf courses in my time. However, to say Chambers Bay is unique is the understatement of the century. I have not run in to any golf course like it. The staff was abundantly friendly during the entire tournament and gave the red carpet treatment. We played the tips for my flight (~7100 yards) and that was more than I could handle, especially with the wind and rain the first day. The tees and fairways were great - no complaints at all. I believe it was fescue grass in the fairways, which is a little different than the poa we are used to down in SoCal, so that took a little adjustment. Fringe and general rough is almost non-existent, which actually (in my opinion) made the course more difficult as it did not "catch" balls around the greens and fairways, and thus allowed many shots to roll into various bunkers or collection areas. The bunkers were well maintained, which was surprising, as there are over 90 (yes, ninety) acres of sand traps on the course. I found my fair share... The layout is such that it would take about 3 or 4 times of playing it solidly to learn all the nuances. Additionally, though there were many elevation changes, the walk was not difficult at all and very enjoyable. The greens rolled very well and were not nearly as controversial as they played for the 2015 Open. The green complexes were very VERY tricky with some pin locations, and our group found that even a 3 putt was sometimes a reputable feat. As for the scenery - you can't beat it. It really is THAT beautiful. I highly recommend the course, and was told by the locals that this time of year is the best to visit in terms of scenery and price.

I'll give you some great advice, never play this place as a single. Every time I have joined a group I have played with drunks and morons that were there to simply say they played there. After speakin... Continue »

I'll give you some great advice, never play this place as a single. Every time I have joined a group I have played with drunks and morons that were there to simply say they played there. After speaking to several locals and Caddies I have been told it's the norm here. Your typical drunk non etiquette millennial will ruin your round like they have mine. ALWAYS put your own group together..........The course itself is pretty cool and if you want to score well I would advise paying the $100 for a caddie for green reads or you'll have problems. The course is authentic links with the slow greens and running fairways. shot 80-82 on the trip last week but could have been better w/o the kooks I played with. Some of us come to play seriously. If you're one of them you had better heed my advise on either playing alone or with your own group.

Played yesterday in beautiful sunshine. Played in 4.5 hours, with no issues. They just lowered the rates on Oct 1 so that was great as well. IMO I think they are charging to much for both locals and o... Continue »

Played yesterday in beautiful sunshine. Played in 4.5 hours, with no issues. They just lowered the rates on Oct 1 so that was great as well. IMO I think they are charging to much for both locals and outsiders to play. Plus on top of your greens fee, there are WA taxes (not mentioned on web site) that add to the total. Yes it is a very nice course but over priced. And yes you do have the US Open in 2015 (but?). Although they did give me a voucher good between Sept 2015 and May 2016 to come back and play at their Golf Club Member Rate (for what that is worth). The course is a very nice layout. Sits about 1/4 mile below the clubhouse and you are taken to the range (great layout -all the balls you can hit) and first tee by shuttle. Customer service at check in is excellent (thanks Taylor and Nick). Nice little restaurant, with great coffee (of course it's WA). Shuttle service excellent. First tee marshal very helpful and cheerful. The course is a 100% walking course (and you better be in good shape - more later). You can bring your own cart, use one of the carts course provides (they are not Sun Mt or other types), or you can take a caddy (expensive). One of our foursome used a caddy but honestly, I really did not see the need for it? The course is right there in front of you and if you buy one of the yardage books you have that info as well. Without a doubt, the course layout is beautiful (especially on a sunny day like yesterday - 70 F). Right along Puget sound (though trains going by do interrupt the serenity). But hey, while you are waiting to tee off on 16, if a train goes by, you can either wave to the passengers (yep that close - but please don't moon them) or try hitting a ball into one of the coal cars? 100% Fescue grass, from tee to green (that's why the course is a 100% links course). Looks a little strange to most of us, but if you use the great practice range and large putting green, you can get a feel for it very quickly. Large wide fairways, that provide great roll when hit. Large, clean and level tee boxes. Large greens with undulations and neat backstops/contours (hard to tell where fairway/green end/start but look for the ring of sprinklers surrounding each green to see green vs fairway) that you can use to get the ball close to the pin (yardage book is great for this) and putt very well and fast. Sand traps and waste areas deep/long and difficult. Rough is long/wispy but for the most part you can advance the ball fairly well (until the Open comes). First 3 holes are fairly flat but starting on # 4 the climb begins (though they do have cart to take players to the 4th teeing area) and does not stop, until you reach the tee on # 9 (this is why I say you need to be in good shape, whether using a caddy, carrying your bag or using a cart). Back nine begins with an uphill Par 4 (keep an eye on this one during the Open - IMO a disaster hole) flattens out for 11 and starts climbing on 12 (again the cart is there to bring you up) and levels off back at 16 - 17. The course has a wonderful design of holes (too numerous to mention each one) with trouble waiting on all of them. Great par 3 holes (watch these during the open). But if you are a straight hitter, long straight hitter, hit a solid draw you will be fine and be rewarded with long drives as well. If you slice/shank/hook you are in for a long long day. Some of the bunkers (# 18 has a 10 foot deep trap in the middle of the fairway) are deep and long (as much as a 100 yards). If you get in some of them that are below the greens, you can be as much as 15-30 feet below the green). You have to choose your tees wisely as they relate to your game. If you choose the wrong ones starting out, you are going to have a long long day and after paying over $200 to play, you are not going to be very happy (IMO). They have two local rules "All prepared areas of sand with accompanying rakes are deemed to be bunkers. All other sand areas "through the green. " Stones in bunkers (because they used a lot of quarry sand in these areas - but not the bunkers) are movable obstruction (Rule 24.1 applies). The course is a must play, if you feel you want to pay the price. A wonderful design and layout and it is going to be an interesting US Open to watch. I feel bad for the caddies carrying those large bags and the pros who are out of shape. For sure there is going to be a lot of grumbling from players/caddies alike, due to the past US Open venues. This course is not like past courses played and we all know how the USGA sets these things up. If you are in the area, or just want to go play it, I highly recommend it. You will be glad you did and no doubt enjoy watching the US Open next year (I know I will) with even more interest.

I played here last Friday, August 16, 2013. I was in the first group with some locals at 6:20 a.m. It was very foggy until about hole 8. The fog lifted and came back in by the time we hit hole 16, whi... Continue »

I played here last Friday, August 16, 2013. I was in the first group with some locals at 6:20 a.m. It was very foggy until about hole 8. The fog lifted and came back in by the time we hit hole 16, which was aptly named, "Cape Fear." In fact, many holes had fear-inspiring names like, "The Narrows", Hazard Ascending", "Beached", and "Derailed." I suppose it was a good thing I could not see all the hazards as I teed off. Really, it can be intimidating with the many forced carries and trying to pick a landing spot on a course I have never played. The guys I played with told me the greens were recently sprayed to remove poa, leaving many areas of the greens bare. Too bad, as far as looks go, but it did not affect putts. The fairways and rough were in great shape. Outside the rough you will find dune-like conditions: course sand, tall clumps of grass, and high mounds. I think they measure the bunkers here in acreage, there are so many on every hole. Tightly mowed fairways and approaches lead up to mostly elevated greens. Putting, or running up a hybrid or fairway metal from way off the green is normal here. The greens were fast and firm. They had sold out of yardage books. I would have liked to have one. Overall, I would like another shot here, but the price is somewhat out of line for me. It was great, but not worth the non-Pierce County resident rate of $219 plus state taxes.

Played here yesterday after flying up and secured a tee time for about 2:30 and group ahead of us was a no show so got off a little early. Played here about 4 years ago and there have been some chang... Continue »

Played here yesterday after flying up and secured a tee time for about 2:30 and group ahead of us was a no show so got off a little early. Played here about 4 years ago and there have been some changes in the course. For example hole 1 is now a par 5 and was a 4 last time I played. The driving range has been moved since they added tee boxes on hole one for this. The range is huge and there is a putting green and 2 separate chipping/pitching greens. You could probably hit 40-80 yd shots into these 2 greens so you can get a variety of shots in there. One interesting thing I didn't remember was that there is no clearly defining green. Basically the fairway runs up into the green. This is the first time I have ever played a course like this. There were times when I didn't know whether I could mark my ball or not, that's how unsure I was. These greens are the firmest greens I have ever played on, hands down. How firm were they, I didn't have to repair one divot. Also the grass on the greens is pretty unusual. They don't look like they roll but man they have this hidden speed to them. I can't remember the last time I had so many long 2nd and 3rd putts. I thought for certain I would 4 putt but I exceeded my expectation and didn't but there were some close calls.

The fairways were great to hit out of but spend some time on the range to get used to this surface because they were pretty firm too. A couple of time I tried to hit a normal wedge and quickly learned that is not the right play. I learned to hit these low running shots which I think is a much better play.

This used to be an old quarry (not sure what kind) but the sand in here is different. I'm not sure if this is the natual sand from the area but it's not white is almost gray and it's pretty firm. There were several people in our group who left the ball in there a few times.

The rough isn't that tough but most of the rough is the traps. There is some tall grass I found and the one time I didn't have an impossible lie and had to just wedge it out.

Everyone here is pretty friendly and really helpful. I purchased a yardage book and I'd say there were some things on the course which was not in the book so that should be updated in my opinion. For example on hole 18 there is a big pot bunker about 100 yds from the green but it's not in the yardage book. The fews here are simply stunning. There is a few of the Puget Sound from every hole. No matter how bad you have been playing it was always relaxing to look out to the water.

The one bad was the round took 6 hours and 5 minutes. Since I would have otherwise been in my hotel room I didn't mind but it did wear me down towards the end of the round. Did get to see the sunset as I played the last hole.

Sorry for the week old post of Chambers Bay (6/12/12), round 2 of day 3's Road Trip. I feel I must address rnfiorito's comments since 7 months have passed since he played this course. The view from ... Continue »

Sorry for the week old post of Chambers Bay (6/12/12), round 2 of day 3's Road Trip. I feel I must address rnfiorito's comments since 7 months have passed since he played this course. The view from the pro new clubhouse is nothing short of spectacular ... I hung out there for 5 minutes just taking in the beauty of the course and the calm Puget Sound. The shuttle driver, a local retired high school coach, told me the history of the course and the steps that have been taken to qualify CB for a US Open bid.

The starter was also quite informative but you gotta know that it's a walking course, not flat, with some distance between some holes. No beverage except at the turn, water stations every few holes, and quite a journey. But what a beautiful layout! Every hole has a character all it's own: many run up narrow sand canyons, some blind uphill shots (caddies are optional an if you can afford one, get one ... I used a trolley), and downhillers that required precise accuracy or you got an impossible 2 putt or will land in one of many bunkers that surround every green. No. 7 was a temp green during our round, not sure when the new one will be completed.

Hitting off the tees with your driver: keep a eye on your ball if it leaves the fairway cuz the rough is deep ... From a few inches to a foot deep. We found most, some took us a while. Play the correct tee box for your game.

Greens: yep, they basically suck. Fescue grass still coming back from what I was told a tough winter. Very few rolled true and you need to think 2-3 feet passed the pin, minimum. To me, the only drawback, but on the plus side, you can go at pins without the worry of the ball rolling too far from its landing point.

Ate at the onsite restaurant, small place but good service and grub. I found everyone to be friendly and helpful, maybe someone in mgmt got the word out after rnfiorito's review.

Overall, a fantastic day at CB on the beautiful Puget Sound. When the greens fill in and they can get them rolling at a 8 or 9 this place will be awesome. Regardless, I would play here again (twilight rates) when I return to the Seattle.tacoma area.

Chambers Bay Golf Club Course Review
Tacoma Washington Golf Course Reviews

Played here in Mid October 2011 (which is nearing the end of the golf season in Western Washington) The two best parts of the round was a) the views from the parking lot (you can see the entire cours... Continue »

Played here in Mid October 2011 (which is nearing the end of the golf season in Western Washington) The two best parts of the round was a) the views from the parking lot (you can see the entire course a couple hundred feet below) b) the enormous driving range/practice facilities.

With the mindset going into the round that, these guys are going to be hosting the US OPEN in 2015- the only thought running through my head was, who from the city of Tacoma & Pierce County (owns and operates the facility) has dirt on the USGA (and what do they know).

This place was so underwhelming it wasn't funny. The tees were in decent shape shape (lots of bare spots), The fairways had just been sanded a few days prior so I won't comment on that (but again bare spots) one way or another. The greens on the other hand were a 100% disaster (they were punched 2.5-3 weeks prior) and should have atleast been playable. The detest for the greens had nothing to do with punch marks or aerification, rather it was bare spots everywhere... infact more dirt than grass on the greens. (perhaps a case of not planting the correct grass for the environment?) Its not the first time i've heard this, seems to be a real issue.

Another thing was with the Customer Service- Everyone from the front desk to the range personal has the holier than thou mentality, don't you know we are hosting the open mindset. I say Go Pound Sand and brain wash the sycophants if you please.

The layout is average to decent at times, and other times its uninspiring and a few others its 100% unfair. I can say that the USGA believes the same as they demanded wholesale changes to atleast 8 holes (rebuilding some greens, flattening some others, removing some bunkers, adding length etc.

Finally- I respect the fact that some courses want to be known for all walking or whatever, but you can't mandate a no cart policy when the course requires long and steep walks from tee to green, and up many of the fairways. I personally don't mind, but i played with a couple of troopers in their 70's and was flat out shocked by what they put themselves through.

I do want to see the US open come to the PNW, but not with this type of course. This isn't Bandon Dunes, nor is it a fair test of golf nor is it PNW golf at all. Western Washington tournament golf should be hosted by a classic tree lined beauty like Sahalee CC not this out of place, overpriced excuse for a course And oh yeah, nice double-wide trailer for a clubhouse.

PS- taking side bets of when the USGA will pull their 2015 Open commitment from this place.

Chambers Bay Golf Club Course Review
Tacoma Washington Golf Course Reviews