Chambers Bay

Chambers Bay opened in 2007, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. on the site of a former sand and gravel quarry that had produced aggregates for decades (helping build Tacoma and Seattle). The 930-acre Pierce County park transformation was selected to host the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open within its first year — the first reclaimed mining site ever used for the national championship.

Jordan Spieth won the 2015 U.S. Open at age 21, birdieing the 72nd hole while Dustin Johnson famously three-putted from 12 feet on the final green to lose by one. Hole 18 was designed to play as either par 4 or par 5, giving tournament organizers flexibility.

Concrete remnants of the quarry operations remain visible as architectural features throughout the links landscape.

A true links experience unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest. Fescue turf, massive dunes carved from old quarry walls, virtually no trees (except the Lone Fir on 15), firm-and-fast conditions, and panoramic Puget Sound views. Dramatic elevation changes from the quarry terrain create one of the most visually striking courses in America.

Expect bouncing fairways, firm greens, and constant wind off the Sound. Walking is the best way to experience the terrain (carts available). Concrete quarry remnants dot the landscape as architectural features.

Embrace the ground game — this is a links course where bump-and-run shots are the smart play. Fescue fairways promote running the ball.

Wind off Puget Sound is constant. Club selection must account for it on every shot.

Study the pin sheet carefully. Green complexes have dramatic undulation — being on the wrong tier can mean a 60-foot putt.

The fescue conditions are unlike typical irrigated American courses. The ball bounces and runs dramatically.