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Chambers Bay
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Chambers Bay
View from south in 2015
Chambers Bay is located in the United States
Chambers Bay
Location in the United States
Chambers Bay is located in Washington (state)
Chambers Bay
Location in Washington
Map
Interactive map of Chambers Bay
Club information
47°12′N 122°34′W / 47.20°N 122.57°W / 47.20; -122.57
Coordinates47°12′N 122°34′W / 47.20°N 122.57°W / 47.20; -122.57
LocationUniversity Place, Washington, U.S.
EstablishedJune 23, 2007
19 years ago
TypePublic
Owned byPierce County
Operated byKemperSports
Total holes18
Events hostedU.S. Amateur (2010),
U.S. Open (2015),
U.S. Amateur Four-Ball (2021),
U.S. Women's Amateur (2022)
GreensPoa annua
(full green replacement 2017-2019),
formerly fine fescue[1]
Websitechambersbaygolf.com
Designed byRobert Trent Jones Jr.
Par72
Length7,585 yards (6,936 m)
Course rating74.3 (Navy)[2]
Slope rating139 (Navy)[2]

Chambers Bay is a public golf course on Puget Sound southwest of Tacoma, Washington, United States, in the city of University Place. The British links-style course is owned by Pierce County and opened for play on June 23, 2007.[3] It hosted the U.S. Amateur in 2010 and the U.S. Open in 2015.[1][4]

Design

[edit]

Chambers Bay was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.[3][5] The 250-acre (100 ha) course is the centerpiece of a 930-acre (380 ha) county park that also includes walking trails and other spaces. Pierce County bought the land, a former sand-and-gravel quarry, for $33 million in 1992; the property was popular with off-road four-wheelers and dirt-bikers for years while the park was under development.[3][6]

Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, himself a golfer, proposed the conversion of the quarry into a golf course with the intention of hosting the United States Open and other major golf championships.[7] The proposal was controversial but was pushed through by Ladenburg, who also selected the design team and managers for the future course.[8][9] The course's location was intended to resemble the Oregon Dunes and its design as a prominent public course was inspired by Torrey Pines Golf Course near San Diego;[10] the course itself was British links-style due to the Pacific Northwest's similar climate.[11] The course cost $20.7 million to build and was labeled "Ladenburg's Folly" by critics, but was well received by golfers.[7][12]

Construction

[edit]

During construction, 1.4 million cubic yards (1.1 million m³) of dirt and sand (over 100,000 truckloads) were removed, cleaned off site, and returned to sculpt the course.[13][14] At the time, it was still permitted as a working mine, which meant fewer restrictions for the course architects.[3][15]

On February 8, 2008, USGA announced that Chambers Bay would host the 2015 U.S. Open.[12] According to a USGA-commissioned financial analysis, the U.S. Open generated $134 million in economy development regionally, including $16.8 million in tax revenue. The event had approximately 110,000 unique visitors, of which one-third were from outside Washington state.[16] To transport visitors for the tournament from Seattle, a Sounder commuter train platform was planned to be constructed at Chambers Bay. USGA and Sound Transit later cancelled plans for the train service, citing logistical and financial challenges.[17][18]

Layout

[edit]

Five sets of tees are available, ranging from 5,250 to 7,585 yards (4,800 to 6,935 m), and as a municipal course, Pierce County residents receive discounted rates. The course is for walkers only, caddies are available but are optional. Motorized carts are permitted only for those with medical conditions or disabilities, and a caddie must be hired as the driver.

The greens do not have fringes - it is a transparent transition from fairway to green.

Card of the course

[edit]
Chambers Bay
Tee Rating/Slope 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Total
Navy 75.6 / 139 559 395 167 530 465 418 482 557 227 3800 398 457 281 485 496 139 396 172 541 3365 7165
Sand 72.4 / 135 501 365 145 480 441 369 449 523 202 3475 360 425 262 453 407 116 359 142 514 3038 6513
White M:70.2/127 L:76.2/137 465 337 130 424 423 315 435 488 168 3185 330 402 246 437 383 103 323 119 487 2830 6015
SI Men's 3 13 17 5 9 11 7 1 15 10 8 14 2 6 18 12 16 4
Par 5 4 3 5 4 4 4 5 3 37 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 5 35 72
SI Women's 3 11 17 7 9 13 5 1 15 8 4 14 6 10 16 12 18 2
Blue 71.5 / 128 436 301 111 347 323 283 415 441 132 2789 311 378 219 348 309 91 279 92 462 2489 5278

Championship Tees[19]

Hole Name Yards Par Hole Name Yards Par
1 Puget Sound 598/496 5/4 10 High Dunes 436 4
2 Foxy 399 4 11 Shadows 537 4
3 Blown Out 198 3 12 The Narrows 311 4
4 Hazard's Ascent 495 4 13 Eagle Eye 534 4
5 Free Fall 488 4 14 Cape Fear 546 4
6 Deception Point 495 4 15 Lone Fir 246/167 3
7 Humpback 508 4 16 Beached 423 4
8 High Road Low Road 614 5 17 Derailed 218 3
9 Olympus 224/217 3 18 Tahoma 604/525 5/4
Out 4,019/3,910 36/35 In 3,855/3,697 35/34
 Championship tees: Rating=78.1,  Slope=146 Total 7,874/7,607 70

Navy Tees

Hole Name Yards Par Hole Name Yards Par
1 Puget Sound 559 5 10 High Dunes 398 4
2 Foxy 395 4 11 Shadows 457 4
3 Blown Out 167 3 12 The Narrows 281 4
4 Hazard's Ascent 530 5 13 Eagle Eye 485 4
5 Free Fall 465 4 14 Cape Fear 496 4
6 Deception Point 418 4 15 Lone Fir 139 3
7 Humpback 482 4 16 Beached 396 4
8 High Road Low Road 557 5 17 Derailed 172 3
9 Olympus 227 3 18 Tahoma 541 5
Out 3,800 37 In 3,365 35
 Navy tees: Rating=75.6,  Slope=139[2] Total 7,165 72

Source:[20][21]

Chambers Bay has just one tree, a Douglas fir behind the 15th green.[22]

Operation

[edit]

The course is operated by Kemper Sports Management, which also operates the near by Lake Spanaway Golf Course in Spanaway. As well as Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast.[3]

The course is part of the Chambers Creek Properties which includes numerous non-golf recreational opportunities including a three-mile loop (5 km) walking trail, part of which travels through the west side of the golf course.[3]

In 2016, a resort was proposed by a private developer, including an 80-room hotel, event and meeting space, and a Tom Douglas restaurant.[23]

Events

[edit]

Chambers Bay was the site of the U.S. Amateur in 2010 and hosted the U.S. Open in 2015; these events were awarded by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in early 2008.[4][24] Chambers Bay was set as a par-71 at 7,742 yards (7,079 m) for the U.S. Amateur in 2010,[25] the longest course in USGA history.[26] The record only lasted until the following year when Erin Hills surpassed it by 18 yards.[26]

Eleven months prior to the event, the USGA announced in July 2014 that all final round tickets and weekly ticket passes for the 2015 U.S. Open were sold out.[27] The tournament was eventually won by Jordan Spieth.[28] Chambers Bay Golf Course hosted the 2021 edition of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, which replaced the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 2015.[29]

In May 2021, the USGA selected Chambers Bay to host the 2022 U.S. Women's Amateur, scheduled for August 8–14, 2022. The tournament was won by Saki Baba.[30] In March 2023, the USGA selected Chambers Bay to host the 2027 U.S. Junior Amateur and 2033 U.S. Amateur.[31]

Criticism

[edit]

During the 2015 U.S. Open, Chambers Bay was subject to criticism for its bumpy greens, unfair course design, and poor accessibility for spectators.[32] Nine-time major champion Gary Player called it "the worst golf course I might've ever seen in the 63 years as a professional golfer," and Henrik Stenson said that the greens were like "putting on broccoli."[33]

In 2017, the fine fescue greens were allowed to transition to poa annua, the dominant species.[34][35][36][37] In the weeks leading up to the 2015 U.S. Open, warm and dry weather forced extra watering of the greens, which allowed the invasive poa to thrive.[1][37][38]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chambers Bay

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chambers Bay is a public, walking-only links-style golf course located in University Place, Washington, on the shores of Puget Sound. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened for play on June 23, 2007, the course occupies 250 acres of reclaimed gravel quarry land within the larger Chambers Creek Canyon Regional Park and features undulating terrain, native fescue grasses, and dramatic views of the Olympic Mountains. Owned and operated by Pierce County, it emphasizes traditional British links golf principles with firm, fast playing conditions and no carts permitted to preserve the natural landscape. The course measures over 7,600 yards from the championship tees with a approaching 139, making it a formidable test for elite players. Chambers Bay quickly established its reputation by hosting the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship just three years after opening, followed by the 115th U.S. Open in 2015, where won his second major of the year amid challenging weather and controversial green complexes that sparked debate over course setup. These events highlighted its suitability for major championships while underscoring tensions between modern agronomy and authentic links play. Beyond competitions, Chambers Bay serves as a recreational hub offering memberships, dining, and events, drawing golfers seeking an authentic links experience roughly 30 miles south of . Its development transformed a site with a history of industrial use and Native American significance into a premier public facility, reflecting Pierce County's commitment to environmental restoration and public access to high-caliber .

Location and Historical Background

Site Origins and Quarry Era

The site of Chambers Bay, located along the in , originated from glacial outwash deposits laid down during the last , approximately 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, which created extensive layers of sand and gravel suitable for extraction. These deposits formed part of the broader Steilacoom glacial formation, attracting industrial interest due to their high-quality aggregates. Commercial gravel mining at the site began in 1889, marking the start of over a century of continuous operations as one of the largest open-pit gravel mines in Washington state. Initial large-scale extraction occurred in the 1890s, driven by demand for materials in federal military projects, including the construction of fortified armor emplacements at nearby coastal defenses. Early operators, such as Pacific Bridge Company, utilized the gravel for infrastructure developments like bridges and railways, establishing the site's role in regional construction. Operations expanded through the under successive owners, including Steilacoom Gravel, which assumed control in 1959, and later Lone Star Industries. At its peak in 1992, the mine employed a crew of 60 workers and produced aggregates on a massive scale, with pits reaching depths that shaped the dramatic topography later adapted for . Pierce acquired the 1,600-acre property in 1993 for approximately $33 million, intending future public use, though mining persisted until commercial extraction ceased in December 2003. Reclamation efforts followed, transforming the scarred landscape from to potential recreational space.

Acquisition and Initial Planning

Pierce County began acquiring parcels for what would become Chambers Creek Properties, including the Chambers Bay site, as early as 1956, accumulating land incrementally for public and utility purposes. The decisive purchase occurred in 1992, when the county's sewer utility bought 650 acres of the former Lone Star Northwest gravel quarry for $43 million, effectively ending active mining operations and bringing total holdings to roughly 950 acres along Puget Sound's shoreline. This acquisition laid the foundation for reclamation efforts, shifting the focus from industrial extraction to public redevelopment while accommodating a wastewater treatment facility. Initial planning for the site's transformation commenced in 1993 with the development of a master to guide restoration of the degraded landscape. Adopted in 1997 after extensive public input, the Chambers Creek Properties Master outlined a vision for a regional destination integrating , trails, an , canyon overlooks, and a championship 18-hole . The plan prioritized a links-style layout to capitalize on the 's existing rugged dunes, fescue grasses, and coastal exposure, minimizing artificial shaping to evoke authentic Scottish seaside courses while funding broader park improvements through course revenues. County Executive John Ladenburg advocated for the golf course as a centerpiece, envisioning it as a publicly accessible, high-caliber facility to draw visitors and support fiscal sustainability without relying on general tax funds. Early concepts emphasized principles, including native plant restoration and , aligning with the site's certification goals from inception. These plans set the stage for hiring architect II in the early 2000s, though detailed routing and permitting followed the foundational 1997 framework.

Design and Construction

Architectural Design Principles

Chambers Bay's architecture, crafted by II, embodies a site-responsive that harnesses the rugged contours of a reclaimed gravel quarry to evoke links-style without strict adherence to traditional dunes. Central to the design is the dictum "let the site be the star," which guided routing along topographic lines to amplify natural drama, including steep elevation shifts up to 200 feet and panoramic views of and the . This approach transformed quarry remnants—sand piles into wind-swept dunes and sedimentation ponds into strategic waste areas—prioritizing minimal earthmoving to preserve inherent "natural violence" in the terrain for strategic depth. Strategic principles emphasize ground-game play over aerial dominance, with firm fescue fairways and greens fostering bounce-and-roll shots akin to Scottish coastal courses, complemented by wide landing zones and contoured tees that introduce variability from the outset. Jones aimed for "liveliness" in defenses, where undulating surfaces and subtle bunkering reward adaptive decision-making, offering players "more options than at the Futures Market." The layout stretches to over 7,500 yards from the tips, scalable for championships via multiple teeing grounds, while eschewing trees, cart paths, and housing to maintain an open, windswept aesthetic that integrates public trails and historical mining relics. Sustainability informs the agronomics, selecting fine fescue for its low-water, low-input resilience suited to the site's sandy base and variable weather, thereby reducing maintenance needs and enhancing ecological reclamation of the 250-acre course within a 930-acre public park. Though not a "true " per Jones due to pronounced elevation—contrasting the genre's typical low-relief dunes—the design innovates by blending these elements into a championship venue that hosted the 2015 U.S. Open, prioritizing causal interplay between player skill, wind, and terrain over artificial hazards.

Construction Timeline and Challenges

Construction of Chambers Bay golf course broke ground on October 11, 2005, as part of Pierce County's broader reclamation effort for the 930-acre former gravel quarry site along Puget Sound. The project, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., aimed to create a links-style layout inspired by Scottish courses, with full-scale work accelerating in January 2006 to shape the rugged terrain into an 18-hole championship venue. The course opened to public play on June 23, 2007, after approximately 18 months of intensive earthmoving and feature development, marking the completion of the core golf infrastructure within Pierce County's master site plan initiated in 1993. Major engineering challenges stemmed from the site's history as a century-old gravel mine, which had extracted over 250 million tons of material, leaving unstable slopes, poor , and elevated levels incompatible with dry, firm conditions. Geotechnical efforts included stabilizing a 200-foot bluff beneath a 1.25-mile public walking path and implementing stormwater infiltration ponds and trenches to manage drainage, ensuring the course remained playable without excessive . and sampling guided minimal application during reclamation, addressing potential from prior mining while integrating environmental restoration with recreational goals. Political and logistical hurdles delayed initial momentum; advocacy from county executive John Ladenburg in overcame skepticism about converting industrial land into a high-end public facility, but the quarry's Superfund-like legacy required extensive permitting and adaptive designs for features like pedestrian overpasses and temporary grandstands. These factors extended pre-construction planning from the 1993 master plan acquisition of 950 acres, emphasizing sustainable redevelopment over rapid buildout. Despite these obstacles, the project succeeded in transforming the site without major reported overruns, leveraging local firms for bluff reinforcement and to support the course's strategic and undulating fairways.

Course Layout and Technical Features

Overall Layout and Strategic Elements

Chambers Bay comprises an 18-hole links-style layout spanning approximately 250 acres of reclaimed gravel quarry terrain in University Place, Washington, designed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened in 2007. The routing integrates massive sand dunes formed from mining waste, elevation shifts exceeding 200 feet, and proximity to Puget Sound, creating a coastal heathland environment with wide fairways, native fescue rough, and minimal tree cover. The course stretches to a maximum of 7,585 yards from the championship tees, playing as a par 72 under standard conditions, though holes 1 and 18 feature reversible par configurations (par 4 or 5) to allow setup flexibility for tournaments, such as the par 70 used during the 2015 U.S. Open. Strategic elements emphasize ground-game proficiency and positional play over raw distance, with firm, fast turf promoting bump-and-run approaches akin to traditional British links courses. Bunkering consists of deep pot-style hazards and expansive waste areas clustered around key landing zones and green approaches, demanding precise angle control to avoid severe penalties; over 100 such features dot the property, often obscured by dunes for blind-shot challenges. Greens are large yet severely contoured, with subtle breaks influenced by surrounding landforms, rewarding approaches that feed from below or utilize slopes for redirection while exposing poor positioning to three-putt risks. Coastal winds, averaging 10-20 mph and gusting higher off , introduce dynamic variability, favoring low-trajectory drives and clubs that maintain control amid cross-breezes and elevation. The walking-only policy, spanning over six miles with no cart paths, underscores a test of intertwined with , as players must navigate public trails and remnants that enhance the natural, unmanicured aesthetic. Risk-reward opportunities abound, such as drivable par 4s or reachable par 5s in two, where aggressive lines over dunes yield short-sided recoveries if misjudged. Overall, the design privileges adaptability and course management, with multiple viable routes per hole leveraging the terrain's contours for creative shot-making.

Yardage and Par Card

Chambers Bay is a par-72 layout consisting of four par-3 holes, ten par-4 holes, and four par-5 holes. From the tees, the course measures 7,124 yards and carries a course rating of 74.3 with a of 139. Yardages and pars are subject to minor adjustments for tournaments or maintenance, but the standard configuration is detailed below.
HoleParYards (Navy Tees)
14465
24395
33165
45515
54465
64447
74482
85560
93202
Out363,696
104398
114457
124281
135527
144450
153172
164396
173206
185541
In363,428
Total727,124
For the 2015 U.S. Open, the course was lengthened to approximately 7,585 yards from forward tees adjusted to championship distances, maintaining par 72 but emphasizing strategic play over raw length due to fescue rough and firm greens. Shorter tee options, such as Sand (6,541 yards, 71.9/130) and Grey (around 6,000 yards), accommodate a range of skill levels while preserving the links-style challenges.

Operations and Maintenance

Public Access and Policies

Chambers Bay operates as a municipal under the management of Pierce County , accessible to all golfers through advance time reservations without membership requirements for standard play. times are bookable online via the course's reservation system or by telephone at (253) 460-4653, with availability opening three months in advance on the first of each month; for the peak period of May through September 2025, non-residency bookings commenced on January 1, 2025. Single players are permitted to join existing groups but cannot reserve open slots independently, while groups of 12 or more may book up to one year ahead through dedicated channels. Green fees employ a residency-based pricing structure to prioritize local access, offering the lowest rates to Pierce County residents, followed by Washington state residents, and standard rates for non-residents. Peak-season (May–September) prepaid rates for non-residents typically range from $265 to $299 per 18-hole round, inclusive of 15.1% tax and without additional on-site fees; off-peak and shoulder-season pricing is lower, though exact figures vary by date and demand. Cancellations for prepaid reservations receive a full refund if made at least seven days prior to the tee time, but forfeit the fee otherwise. The course maintains a strict walking-only policy to emulate authentic links golf and protect its fescue grasses from wear, with complimentary push or pull carts provided for bag transport; personal pull carts are also permitted, but player bags are capped at 25 pounds containing only essentials such as a maximum of 14 clubs, water, six balls, and one layering garment. Motorized carts are prohibited except in cases of documented medical necessity, such as disabilities requiring accommodation. Caddie services are available for hire at $100 per bag or $50 per player in groups, plus gratuity, reservable by phone. All play adheres to USGA rules, modified by local provisions including no-penalty relief from footprints or abnormal conditions in bunkers (ball placed at the nearest relief point within the hazard), treatment of stones in bunkers as movable obstructions, and relief options for immovable obstructions near putting greens. Pace-of-play expectations mandate that groups keep pace by staying directly behind the preceding group on the course. As part of Chambers Creek Regional Park, general facility hours align with half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, though the golf course remains operational year-round subject to weather and maintenance.

Agronomic Practices and Sustainability

Chambers Bay employs low-input agronomic practices tailored to its fine fescue-dominated turf, which covers fairways, tees, and surrounds, requiring 30-50% less and than Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass systems prevalent in the U.S. This grass selection leverages the site's maritime climate for natural resilience, with maintenance limited to weekly mowing heights of 0.5-1 inch on fescue areas to promote firm, fast surfaces mimicking Scottish courses. Overseeding with ryegrass occurred up to 14 times annually in preparation periods to mitigate winter wear, though such interventions decreased post-2015 as staff refined dormant tolerance management. Greens, originally established with red and Chewings fescues in 2007, transitioned to sod in October-November 2018 across all 18 surfaces, addressing fescue's vulnerability to summer stress, poa encroachment, and inconsistent speeds that limited playability. The sodding, executed by on-site staff under superintendent Mark Trenter and agronomist Eric Johnson using Canadian-grown material, enhanced year-round putting quality and course capacity without altering the overall fescue framework. management involves precise verticutting and topdressing to control thatch, balancing its higher input needs against fescue's sustainability edge in non-green areas. Sustainability integrates the course's origins as a reclaimed Steilacoom sand-and-gravel , operational until and covering 900 acres of scarred terrain, into a public asset via Pierce County's 1993 master plan emphasizing habitat restoration and minimal disturbance. Natural provides drainage without extensive piping, curtailing to targeted zones and conserving Puget Sound-adjacent . Fine fescue's and reduced reliance foster , including native species integration and stormwater filtration through dune-like mounds, yielding net environmental gains over the site's prior industrial state. These practices, informed by USGA consultations, prioritize long-term ecological function alongside agronomic viability.

Major Events Hosted

Early Tournaments and Amateur Events

Chambers Bay opened to public play in June 2007 and rapidly positioned itself as a championship-caliber venue through its rugged links-style layout along . The course hosted its inaugural national-level event, the 110th U.S. Amateur Championship, organized by the from August 23 to 29, 2010. This amateur competition drew 6,485 entries and featured followed by , testing the site's capacity for high-stakes just three years after opening. Configured as a par-71 course at 7,742 yards—the longest setup in USGA championship to that point—Chambers Bay emphasized strategic shot-making with minimal irrigation, resulting in firm, bouncy turf conditions that rewarded low ball flight and creativity. claimed the title, defeating David Chung 4 and 2 in the 36-hole final on August 29, marking a successful for the venue's major-event readiness. The 2010 U.S. underscored Chambers Bay's potential for amateur excellence, with participants navigating wind-exposed holes and undulating greens that demanded precision, though some early rounds highlighted setup challenges like overly penal rough and greens. No prior professional tournaments had been held, but the event affirmed the course's viability for elite amateur play amid its public accessibility.

2015 U.S. Open

The 115th U.S. Open Championship was conducted at Chambers Bay from June 18 to 21, 2015, marking the first time the event was held in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest since 1950. The par-70 layout stretched to 7,585 yards, featuring firm, links-style conditions with minimal rough and emphasis on running shots. Jordan Spieth, then 21 years old, captured the title with a tournament-record score of 5-under-par 275 (68-67-71-69), securing his second major victory of the season after the Masters. Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen finished tied for second at 276 (Johnson: 65-71-70-70; Oosthuizen: 77-66-66-67), with Adam Scott in fourth at 277. Spieth entered the final round with a one-stroke lead over several contenders, including , but pulled ahead early before a late stumble. He bogeyed the 17th hole, allowing Johnson—who birdied 17 to tie— to force potential playoff drama on the 18th. Johnson, however, three-putted from 12 feet for bogey after his initial par attempt lipped out, handing Spieth the victory as the latter parred the hole. Johnson had been assessed a two-stroke penalty during the third round for causing his ball to move while addressing it in the rough on the fifth hole, which dropped him from contention for the lead at that point but did not directly affect the final-round outcome. The tournament drew massive crowds, with sold-out attendance creating epic grandstand scenes around the 18th green, though the walking-only policy and rugged terrain limited spectator mobility. The event generated an estimated $140 million economic impact for the region. Chambers Bay's setup emphasized pure fine fescue greens without for a firm, fast, and dormant links-like test reminiscent of the , with browned-out areas intended to promote bounce and run. However, the greens drew widespread criticism for excessive bumpiness and graininess, rendering putting unpredictable on several surfaces. described it as "putting on broccoli," while deemed the course the worst he had seen in 63 years as a professional. identified four "dead" greens, and questioned the USGA's decisions in setup. lambasted the USGA for the greens' treatment and fan experience, calling aspects a "disgrace." The defended the conditions as playable and aligned with the venue's architectural intent, though post-event analysis highlighted the fescue's limitations under major-championship stress, leading to the greens' later conversion to in 2017. Despite the backlash, Spieth praised the course's strategic demands and scenic drama.

Reception and Evaluation

Achievements and Positive Assessments

Chambers Bay achieved prominence by hosting the 115th U.S. Open Championship in June 2015, marking the first time the event was held in the Pacific Northwest and resulting in Jordan Spieth's victory by one stroke over Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen. The tournament drew over 200,000 spectators and generated positive spectator feedback for its scenic setting along Puget Sound and dramatic Sunday finish. Players such as Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods praised the course's authentic links-style demands, with Mickelson calling it a "true test" reminiscent of British Open venues due to its fescue grasses, pot bunkers, and undulating terrain. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in June 2007, was named America's Best New Public Course of 2008 by Golf Digest, highlighting its innovative transformation of a former gravel quarry into a strategic, walkable layout with dramatic elevation changes and sea views. It consistently ranks among the top public courses in the United States, placing 132nd in Golf Digest's 2025-'26 America's 100 Greatest Public Courses list and within the USA Top 100 by independent evaluators for its bold architectural features and playability across skill levels. Golf architects and reviewers commend Chambers Bay for its fidelity to links golf principles in an American context, with Fried Egg Golf describing it as a "top-flight public course" for its well-executed design, seamless integration with the surrounding parkland, and strategic depth that rewards thoughtful shot-making over raw power. User ratings reflect this, averaging 4.4 out of 5 from panelists for layout variety and challenge, and 4.9 out of 5 on for its groomed conditions and engaging holes that offer no two alike. As a municipal facility, it provides accessible championship , earning acclaim as one of Washington's finest public venues and a "" destination for its unmanufactured, naturally rugged aesthetic.

Criticisms and Player Feedback

During the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, numerous professional golfers criticized the course conditions, particularly the greens, which suffered from dead patches, excessive bumpiness, and inconsistent speeds attributed to an invasion of Poa annua grass into the fescue surfaces. Ernie Els, a two-time U.S. Open champion, described four greens as "dead" and among the worst he had encountered in major championships. Sergio Garcia publicly condemned the greens on Twitter and in post-round interviews, calling them unplayable and a failure of preparation by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Other players echoed these sentiments, labeling the setup a "" and a "" due to the greens' poor quality, which they argued undermined the event's fairness and test of skill. specifically faulted the USGA for inadequate maintenance of the greens and poor crowd control, exacerbating playability issues amid spectator interference. , a nine-time major winner, issued a particularly harsh assessment, deeming Chambers Bay "one of the worst courses I've ever seen" for its conditioning flaws during the tournament. Beyond the major event, recreational players have recurrently highlighted subpar green conditions in reviews, noting persistent bumpiness and uneven surfaces even outside tournament setups, with some describing the greens as "horrendous" prior to renovations in 2018-2019. These complaints often center on the challenges of maintaining firm, fast links-style turf in the climate, leading to bare spots and variable roll that frustrate approach shots and putting. In response to the 2015 backlash, the course underwent significant greens reconstruction, including a six-month closure to reseed with for better consistency, though some players maintain that underlying agronomic issues persist.

Broader Impacts

Environmental Reclamation Efforts

The Chambers Bay golf course serves as the centerpiece of Pierce County's comprehensive reclamation of the 930-acre Chambers Creek Properties, a landscape scarred by over a century of and extraction that culminated in the 1992 acquisition of the former Lone Star mine parcel. The site's master development plan, adopted in 1997, guided the transformation of the derelict —described as resembling a Superfund-scale —into a public regional park integrating recreational facilities, trails, and restored natural features. This initiative addressed industrial legacies through targeted earthmoving, relocating 1.4 million cubic yards of soil to recontour dunes and stabilize unstable slopes, including a 200-foot bluff underpinning pedestrian paths. Geotechnical and ecological restoration measures emphasized minimal disturbance to foster , earning the property Silver Sanctuary certification from Audubon International. Key actions included implementing storm water infiltration ponds to support habitats and reduce runoff, alongside a plan that curtailed use, with efficacy confirmed via regular surface water and testing. Native fescue grasses were established to emulate links-style terrain while promoting drought resistance and , converting the former quarry's barren expanses into viable ecosystems without reliance on beyond reclaimed sources. Broader reclamation extends to the adjacent , where the Chambers Bay Restoration project targets rehabilitation of up to 180 acres of tidal wetlands degraded by historical alterations. Core components involve demolishing the Chambers Creek dam, which obstructs 40% of the historic , and reconstructing the functionally obsolete 1946 bridge, thereby reopening roughly 5.5 miles of upstream for five species including Chinook, coho, and . These interventions, designed in phases with bridge plans finalized by early 2024 and consultant selection slated for spring 2025, aim to bolster juvenile and adult rearing in the corridor between the Puyallup and Nisqually rivers. Sustained progress relies on public-private partnerships, notably the 1999 formation of the Chambers Creek Foundation, which has expedited habitat recovery and public amenities rollout, marked by the May and June 2007 openings of the Soundview Trail and . Ongoing collaborations with tribes and groups like the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group ensure alignment with regional recovery strategies, prioritizing empirical monitoring of restored functions over a projected 50-year horizon.

Economic and Community Benefits

The 2015 U.S. at Chambers Bay produced a $134 million economic impact across Pierce County and adjacent regions, driven largely by out-of-area visitor expenditures on accommodations, food services, transportation, and merchandise, according to a commissioned by the (USGA). This boost encompassed direct spending of approximately $79 million, with multiplier effects amplifying the total through and wage expenditures, while generating over $10 million in state and local tax revenues. The event drew 215,000 patrons over two weeks, including international attendees, underscoring its role in elevating the area's profile for future . Beyond major tournaments, Chambers Bay sustains ongoing economic contributions as a links-style course, attracting golfers nationwide and fostering year-round play that supports local and retail sectors. Since its 2007 opening on reclaimed land, the facility has generated millions in sales and use taxes for regional governments, with early operations yielding $2.3 million by 2011 through green fees, concessions, and ancillary services. Its management emphasizes affordability for local residents alongside appeal to traveling players, broadening participation and stabilizing revenue streams amid fluctuating industry trends. Community benefits extend to recreational access and social welfare initiatives, as the 900-acre site doubles as public open space offering trails, views of , and non-golf activities that enhance in University Place. During the U.S. Open, surplus event resources included 70,000 pounds of donated food to the Emergency Food Network, addressing local hunger needs. The course's transformation from to eco-integrated park has also promoted awareness, indirectly bolstering community pride and long-term .

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