Explore Chambers Bay Golf Course—world-class public links in Washington with stunning views, walkable fairways, and championship history.
Chambers Bay Golf Course: A Legendary Golf Experience
Nestled on the scenic shores of Puget Sound near Tacoma, Washington, Chambers Bay Golf Course is a bucket-list destination for golf travelers, beginners, and families alike. This publicly owned 18-hole course delivers an authentic Scottish-links style experience with towering dunes, fescue-lined fairways, and panoramic water views.
From hosting the 2015 U.S. Open to welcoming daily-fee golfers of all ages, Chambers Bay strikes a rare balance between championship prestige and family-friendly accessibility. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Chambers Bay special, how to plan your visit, and tips to prepare for an unforgettable round.
Why Visit Chambers Bay Golf Course
Chambers Bay isn’t just another golf course – it’s an award-winning links masterpiece that has quickly earned legendary status. Opening in 2007 on a former sand quarry, Chambers Bay was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. to test the world’s best while remaining playable for amateurs. It was named America’s Best New Public Course of 2008 by Golf Digest, even before hosting major tournaments.
In fact, Chambers Bay was chosen to host the 2010 U.S. Amateur and became the first course in the Pacific Northwest to welcome the U.S. Open Championship in 2015.
What draws visitors from around the globe is the course’s dramatic beauty and unique setting. The layout winds along two miles of picturesque shoreline on south Puget Sound, with every hole offering either a stunning water vista or a backdrop of rugged sand dunes. Impressively, there is only one tree on the entire course (a lone Douglas fir next to the 15th green), so nothing blocks the sweeping views.
Golfers often pause to soak in sights of the bay and snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the distance. It’s a photographer’s dream and an unforgettable place to introduce kids or newcomers to the grandeur of golf.
Despite its championship pedigree, Chambers Bay prides itself on being open to everyone. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome, and juniors and beginners will find the vibe refreshingly friendly. In fact, the design’s generous features – such as massive fairways and very little water or dense rough – mean that even newer players can enjoy a round without constant fear of lost balls.
The course was built with the public in mind, and it shows: this is a county-owned facility where a family outing or a beginner’s first 18 holes can happen on the same fairways trod by U.S. Open champions.
History and Legacy of Chambers Bay Golf Course
Chambers Bay may be young, but it has a rich history packed into just a few years. The course officially opened on June 23, 2007, after Pierce County spent years transforming the abandoned Steilacoom quarry into a golfer’s paradise. Famed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and his team shaped the 250-acre site into a “vertical links” style course, moving tons of earth to create the illusion of a timeless natural landscape. Their vision paid off spectacularly – within months of opening, Chambers Bay was attracting national praise and major events. By 2010 it hosted the U.S. Amateur, and in June 2015 it stepped onto the world stage with the U.S. Open.
Chambers Bay History
The 2015 U.S. Open cemented Chambers Bay’s legacy. Televised globally, it showcased the course’s challenging greens and striking visuals (brown fescue and all) and produced a dramatic finish, with 21-year-old Jordan Spieth emerging as champion. This historic Open was a milestone: never before had the Pacific Northwest hosted the U.S. Open, and Chambers Bay proved a worthy (if sometimes controversial) venue. The tournament was not without criticism – some players complained about bumpy greens – but it put Chambers Bay on the map for good.
In response, course managers even renovated the greens with new turf in 2019 to ensure world-class conditions going forward
For golf fans, part of Chambers Bay’s allure is the chance to walk in the footsteps of legends. The course retains touches of Open history, including a plaque in the 18th fairway marking where Spieth hit his iconic 3-wood shot during the final round.
Yet for all its fame, Chambers Bay remains extremely accessible. Any golfer can book a tee time and literally play the same course that crowned a U.S. Open champion – a thrill usually reserved for private clubs or far more expensive resorts. This blend of public access and major championship heritage makes Chambers Bay Golf Course truly special.
How Much Does It Cost to Play a Round of Golf at Chambers Bay?
The cost to play a round at Chambers Bay Golf Course varies depending on the season, residency, and day of the week. For out-of-state visitors, green fees typically range from $150 to $200 during the high season (spring and summer). If you’re a Pierce County resident, you may qualify for discounted rates starting around $90 to $120. Chambers Bay also offers special rates for juniors, twilight rounds, and promotional deals at certain times of year.
Keep in mind, the course is walking-only, so caddie services (optional but highly recommended) will cost extra—around $50 to $60 per bag, plus tip. You can also rent premium push carts or clubs if needed. For the full experience, many visitors opt for a morning tee time followed by lunch at the Chambers Bay Grill, making it a memorable day of golf on one of the country’s top public courses.
Layout and Design: A Links Test with a Friendly Side
Stepping onto Chambers Bay, you might think you’ve been transported to Scotland. The course layout features rolling fairways, giant sandy waste areas, and slick greens, all fanned by coastal breezes. It’s a par 72 that can stretch over 7,500 yards from the tips, with huge elevation changes as it climbs and dips through dunes and hollows. You’ll hit toward artful bunkers the size of small beaches, and putt on massive undulating greens that can challenge even pros. In fact, many holes require carrying your ball over gorse-covered ridges or “football-field sized bunkers” to find the target.
Don’t let that intimidate you through – the course offers multiple tee boxes, so beginners and shorter hitters can choose a friendly yardage and avoid the really long carries.
Walking Only Traits
One of Chambers Bay’s defining traits is that it is walking-only – no riding carts allowed (except for ADA accessibility). This preserves the links tradition and the course’s pristine conditions. It also means players must be ready for a hike: a full round can be about a 7-mile walk with 600 feet of elevation gain.
The effort is worth it. As you walk up each fairway, you experience the course as it was meant to be, with no cart paths in sight – just turf, sand, sea, and sky. For those who prefer not to carry their own clubs, push carts are available, and Chambers Bay also offers professional caddies who know every hump and hollow by heart. The caddies can not only lighten the physical load but also enrich your experience with stories and course management advice.
Chambers Bay Golf Course Design
Importantly, while the course can bare its teeth (especially when the wind blows off the Sound), it’s also designed to help the everyday golfer have fun. The fairways are extremely wide, and many are contoured to funnel errant shots back toward the center.
The rough is sparse and kept short, so you can often find and play your ball without issue. And with almost no trees in play, you won’t be punching out sideways all day. This forgiving design means that a junior or relative newcomer can enjoy a round here and potentially keep the same ball the entire time!
It’s not often that a U.S. Open course can claim that. So, while low-handicap golfers will relish the strategic shot values and bold green complexes, higher-handicappers and kids can also have a great time at Chambers Bay by choosing appropriate tees and enjoying the ample room to roam.
Notable holes abound on this layout. The 15th hole “Lone Fir” is a picturesque par-3 that plays downhill toward the bay, with the course’s lone evergreen standing proudly beside the green.
Hole 9 Features
Hole 9, named “Olympus,” sometimes features a unique dual-tee setup that can completely change its angle from day to day. And the 18th, “Tahoma,” is a sweeping par-5 that arcs along a ridge – a terrific closing hole where you can imagine championship putts being made as spectators watched from the amphitheater-like hillsides. Each hole has its own character, but all share the common threads of spectacular scenery and a links-style rhythm (you won’t find any artificial water hazards or cart path crossings here). The course truly feels like a walk back in time, even as it challenges modern players.
Planning Your Visit: Location, Hours & Contact
Chambers Bay Golf Course is located at 6320 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98467. This is just outside Tacoma and roughly 60 minutes south of downtown Seattle by car (about 40 minutes from Sea-Tac Airport, and 15–20 minutes from Tacoma proper).
Despite its close proximity to the city, the course’s seaside setting is tranquil and removed – you’ll drive through the suburbs of University Place and suddenly come upon this vast open links landscape by the water.
Getting there from Seattle
The most common route is via Interstate 5 south to Tacoma, then Highway 16 toward Gig Harbor, exiting at Fircrest/University Place. From there, a short drive through neighborhoods brings you to Chambers Bay. Clear signage points the way, and there’s ample parking at the course. (For those without a car, it’s possible to reach Tacoma by public transit and then use a rideshare or taxi to cover the last 10 miles to the course.)
Hours
Chambers Bay is generally open seven days a week, year-round (weather permitting). Tee times typically start early in the morning (around sunrise) and run until mid-afternoon. Exact operating hours can vary by season – for example, in winter months the course might operate roughly 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. While summer hours extend longer with the extra daylight. It’s always wise to book a tee time in advance via their website or phone, as the course is popular, especially on weekends.
Contact
For inquiries and reservations, you can call Chambers Bay’s main line at (253) 460-4653 (or toll-free (877) 295-4657). The staff is friendly and used to helping first-time visitors. You can also book tee times online through the official Chambers Bay website. Green fees range depending on the season and whether you’re a Pierce County resident or visiting from out of state, but expect a premium rate reflecting its top-100 caliber (often between $100–$200 for 18 holes).
Juniors may receive discounts, and caddie services can be arranged for an additional fee (typically around $50 plus gratuity). If you have non-golfers in your group or kids who won’t be playing, note that guests are welcome to walk the course with you for the price of an “Accompanying Walker” pass, which allows them to enjoy the hike and views.
Average Reviews: Visitors consistently rave about the Chambers Bay experience. The course holds an excellent 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor based on hundreds of reviews.
Golfers praise the stunning setting and memorable layout, often calling it one of the best public golf experiences in the United States. Many reviews do mention the challenging walk and occasionally windy conditions, but these are usually noted as part of the adventure rather than a drawback.
Amenities and Family-Friendly Features
Chambers Bay offers more than just the golf course – it’s a complete recreational destination with amenities to keep everyone happy. On-site, you’ll find the Chambers Bay Grill, a restaurant and bar located in the clubhouse overlooking the course and Puget Sound. The Grill is open to the public (not just golfers) and makes a great spot for breakfast or lunch before your round, or dinner and drinks afterward. Diners can enjoy northwest favorites and watch players finish up on the 18th green from the patio. It’s a relaxing environment where families with kids are welcome; there’s even a “Junior Menu” for young golfers-in-training.
Chambers Bay Facilities
For golfers, the facility includes a full practice range and short game area to warm up, as well as a large putting green. The pro shop carries all the gear you might need or want, from logo apparel to balls and souvenirs. Forgot a glove or need extra tees? They’ve got you covered. If you’re traveling without your clubs, call ahead – Chambers Bay has quality rental clubs available, including junior sets, so everyone can participate. The clubhouse also features locker rooms and staff who can assist with any special requests (such as shipping your clubs or storing luggage while you play).
Chambers Creek Regional Park
One thing that makes Chambers Bay especially appealing to families is the surrounding Chambers Creek Regional Park. The golf course is actually the centerpiece of a 930-acre park that is open to all. This means that while the golfers in your group hit the links, others can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities right nearby. A paved 3.5-mile walking/biking trail loops around the course perimeter, providing breathtaking viewpoints of the action and the water. It’s stroller-friendly and great for an active family walk or bike ride.
There is also a large playground known as “Playground by the Sound” just north of the course, where kids can climb and swing with views of the bay (a hit with local children). Additionally, the park includes an off-leash dog area and several picnic spots. It’s not uncommon to see locals jogging with their dogs or families flying kites on the grassy meadows while golf is being played below.
Chambers Bay Golf Course Natural Beauty
Even non-golfers will appreciate the trip to Chambers Bay for its natural beauty. You can enjoy a walk on the beach, explore the public trails, or relax at Central Meadow watching trains occasionally roll by on the nearby tracks.
The site’s history as a reclaimed quarry is evident in some preserved industrial remnants and the impressive landscape architecture (there’s an award-winning pedestrian bridge and art installations in the park). In short, Chambers Bay provides a full day of fun: one person might play a round of golf while others in the family hike to the shoreline or snap photos of eagles and herons. Everyone can meet up at the grill afterward to share stories. This inclusiveness and variety of activities make Chambers Bay a fantastic stop not just for hardcore golfers, but for golf travelers with spouses, kids, or friends in tow.
For more golf travel inspiration, check out our guide on Best Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach: My Top Picks which highlights another family-friendly golf destination.)
Tips for Playing Chambers Bay Golf Course
A round at Chambers Bay is a memorable adventure – here are some practical tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your day:
Come Physically Prepared
Plan for a substantial walk. Wear comfortable, broken-in golf shoes (waterproof, if possible, as morning dew or rain is common) and dress in layers. The weather can change quickly by the Sound, with cool breezes even on warm days. A light rain jacket is wise to carry in your bag year-round. You’ll be climbing hills, so consider doing a few stretches before teeing off. Staying hydrated and fueled is important too – there are water stations on the course, but bringing a refillable water bottle and snacks is a good idea for you and any juniors playing along.
Warm Up and Adjust to the Turf
Take advantage of the practice facility to get a feel for the turf and sand. The grass at Chambers Bay is fescue-based and kept firm and fast, so chips and putts might roll out more than you’re used to. Spend time on the putting green hitting some long putts – the greens are enormous, and you’ll likely face putts of 50+ feet during your round. Getting the pace down early will save you strokes (and prevent three-putts).
Course Management
Chambers Bay is as much about strategy as power. Many holes give you options – for example, you might be tempted to go for a long carry over a dune, but sometimes a safer route around yields a better angle. Playing the course the first time, it’s helpful to study the yardage book or course guide (available in the pro shop) and note where the big slopes and hazards are.
If in doubt, aim for the widest part of the fairway you can see – the landing areas are generous. Remember that the ball can roll a lot on these hard surfaces. Often the smart play is to land short of your target and let it run up. Don’t be afraid to use the ground!
Use a Caddie or Technology
If it’s your first visit, one of the best investments is to hire a Chambers Bay caddie. The caddies will not only carry your bag but also guide you on blind shots and reads on the tricky greens. They know all the local bounces (for example, which slopes can feed your ball onto the green) and will enhance your experience greatly.
If a caddie isn’t in your budget, consider using a GPS app or a laser rangefinder for distance – there are few distance markers out on this purist layout. A rangefinder can be extremely handy for judging how far to carry those deep bunkers or how a downhill shot is playing. (For recommendations, see our Best Range Finders for Golf: Precise Readings.
Tee It Forward
As tempting as it might be to play from the championship tees where the pros battled, choose a tee box that matches your ability (or even one shorter than you usually might). The course is more enjoyable and still plenty challenging from the regular tees – you’ll get to hit shorter irons into greens, which is important at Chambers Bay since many greens are elevated or well-guarded. There’s no shame in playing it forward, especially if you’re a beginner or playing with family.
Mind the Wind
Being on the coast, Chambers Bay can get breezy. A hole that played downwind in the morning might be into the wind by afternoon. Pay attention to the windsocks or flags on course. When it’s gusty, take more club than you think on uphill or into-wind shots, and allow for extra roll-on downwind shots. Keep your ball flight on the lower side if possible – a “links bump-and-run” approach works great here. And if the weather does turn to typical Pacific Northwest drizzle, don’t worry; the course drains well and remains playable even in rain. Just be sure you have your umbrella and maybe an extra glove.
Enjoy the Walk
Finally, take time to simply enjoy the surroundings. This is a truly gorgeous course, so pause on the tees to snap a photo or two – the vista from the 9th tee or 15th green, with the Puget Sound glistening beyond, is one you’ll want to capture. If you’re with family, involve the kids by letting them tend the flag or rake a bunker (under supervision) – little touches can make them feel part of the experience.
Keep a relaxed, positive attitude even if the course’s contours cause a few funny bounces. Remember, even pros have gotten humbled here. Laugh off the tough shots and celebrate the good ones! A day at Chambers Bay is not about your score; it’s about the adventure of walking a truly epic course.
Local Attractions and After-Golf Activities
After (or before) your round, be sure to explore the local attractions around Chambers Bay and the nearby area. As mentioned, the Chambers Creek Regional Park surrounding the course offers a wonderful outing for non-golfers or for later in the day. You can hike down to the beach on Puget Sound – at low tide, there is shoreline to comb for shells and stones. The paved Soundview Trail will lead you from the clubhouse area down to the waterfront and back up, offering exercise and viewpoints galore.
Bring a kite or a frisbee if you like; there’s plenty of open space in the park’s meadows.
If you’re up for more golf-related fun, you can drive 20 minutes to the nearby town of DuPont to play The Home Course or 30 minutes to Bremerton to play Gold Mountain – both are excellent public courses that, along with Chambers Bay, formed a rotation for the 2010 U.S. Amateur (a great golf road-trip trio in the region). For sightseeing, downtown Tacoma is home to the Museum of Glass, the LeMay Car Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – all popular with families. The charming harbor town of Gig Harbor is also a short drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, offering waterfront dining, boutiques, and kayak rentals with a view of Mount Rainier.
Back at Chambers Bay, if you time it right, you might catch one of their special events. The course has begun hosting fun community events like summer “Sunset Golf” evenings (playing a short loop of holes with refreshments), junior clinics, and even occasional live music at the clubhouse. It’s worth checking their calendar or asking the staff if anything is happening during your visit – it could add an extra layer of enjoyment to your trip.
