Chambers Bay - Save Your Money for Now

[squarehead]

Just played there last week. I cannot recommend it at this time. Played last September and it was fine. Right now, the greens are terrible. Heavily sanded and slow slow slow. Fescue greens. Didn't hold shots. Played a couple days later elsewhere and was hammering the putts after Chambers Bay. Granted, CB is among the more scenic anywhere, but to pay full boat for lousy greens is a crime. The rest: Got a caddie. Wasn't that helpful other than lugging my bag around. There is room for another 18 next to it. And the outdoor concert venue/amphitheater opens in August. Beautiful. A resort hotel will be built on-site. Good practice facilities. Both a yardage book and sky caddie are needed for accurate readings. Good customer service. The greens and fairways go right up to the edge and into the waste areas and traps. No flat spots on any of the greens. Huge undulations. Good drainage on the course (sand base). County resident rate is about half that of others. Maybe the greens will be better this fall make it more enjoyable.

[Nyk Pike]

The greens are a bit slower than area courses but are starting to get to proper speed for links golf. The undulations and contours of the greens make it necessary to keep the greens near 9 or 10 on the Stimpmeter. Currently they are rolling 8.7 consistently. I am confident that as the top dressing and rolling continues they will only get better.
Caddie quality always is a guessing game unless you are specific in your request for a senior caddie or make contact with the caddie manager and express the level of service you are looking for. Many times it is simply a supply and demand issue. The best part of the program is opening up the Evans Scholarship opportunities for local youth.
Drainage is great and I look forward to winter rounds there and having the course play firm and fast through all the rain we get up here.

Far & Sure-
Nyk