Almost all new golf courses arrive with a splash, but few can claim the worldwide imprint of the newly formed Chambers Bay at University Place, Washington.
Built in 2007, the Scottish Links-style public golf course was designed by noted course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. His objective was to create a unique golf experience, to put as many holes as possible alongside the sound, to build a course enjoyable for all skill levels but demanding enough for the world’s best players under major championship conditions. His creation immediately was hailed a success. By locating the clubhouse on the far side of the course, away from the water, he has maximized use of the shoreline for the course itself while offering stunning views of the sound for golfers and those in the clubhouse as well. By making it a walking-only course, it gives the feel of the classics of golf, though less than five years old. There are no distractions, not too many add-ons, just a great course ready to be enjoyed.
Right off the bat at the 1st hole, the player gets a clear understanding of the visual treat they are in for. As they tee off, a 50 foot-high-dune lay to the right with the backdrop of the dark blue Puget Sound for added effect. The par-4 5th hole, nicknamed “Free Fall,” is perhaps the most memorable as it plummets 80 feet from the tee to the two separate greens 150 yards apart. To reach the furthest green, a player can use a low-running approach to find the putting surface. While on the closer green, the player needs a more cautious approach due to its ominous sand dunes.
One notable golf publication voted it as the ‘best new course of 2007’ and when looking around at the scenery, a golfing enthusiast can’t help but feel that they are playing in Ireland. The giant sand dunes, rumpled fairways, breathtaking sea views and unpredictable weather give a Celtic-like atmosphere more than 5,000 miles away from the homeland of four-leaf clovers.
You may know it more as a course that hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur and it is scheduled to host the 2015 U.S. Open, which will be the first-time the event will be held in the Pacific Northwest. But you should also know it as one of the must-play venues in the entire country, a must play for every golfer’s bucket list. So check out one of the nation’s true golfing gems, no golfer will walk away disappointed.
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