Pacific Northwest Golf Heaven: Why Chambers Bay in Washington Needs to Be Your Next Golf Trip

Why go to Scotland when you can get it at Chambers Bay. Chambers Bay is a true links-style masterpiece on the shores of Puget Sound in University Place, Washington (just south of Tacoma). A rugged, windswept public course carved from an old sand quarry with massive dunes, firm fescue turf, multi-level fairways, and breathtaking views of the water and Olympic Mountains from nearly every hole. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, it’s hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open (where Jordan Spieth won), delivering pure strategic challenge, creativity over power, and that authentic British links feel in the Pacific Northwest.

Quick Facts

  • One epic 18-hole championship course: Par 72, stretching over 7,500 yards from the tips, walking-only (carts limited)
  • Links-style purity: Wide fairways, huge undulating greens (now Poa annua for smoother putting), firm conditions, wind, and vertical elevation changes
  • Year-round play potential: Best spring through fall (mild PNW weather, 50s-70s degrees F); summer for long days, fall for colors and fewer crowds
  • Public access: Daily-fee with tee times via chambersbaygolf.com; caddies highly recommended for strategy and local lore
  • Top-ranked: Frequently #1 public in Washington (Golf Digest), top-100 public nationally, and a bucket-list U.S. Open venue

The Pacific Northwest is some of the best country this country has to offer. Old Growth forests, orca pods, salmon runs, Seattle, and Immaculate golf.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-drama rounds with wind and bold lines, post-golf beers overlooking Puget Sound, caddie stories, and easy combo with nearby courses for multi-day adventures
  • Families: Scenic beauty and walkable vibe (though challenging); non-golfers enjoy Tacoma’s museums, waterfront, or nearby parks; more forgiving forward tees available

Top Standout Courses

Chambers Bay (The Main Course)

The only course, but what a one! Robert Trent Jones II’s bold design with no two holes alike: massive dunes, railway parallels evoking Scottish links, firm-and-fast turf rewarding creativity, and endless Puget Sound vistas. Standouts include the downhill par-5 4th (risk-reward dogleg), the par-3 9th and 15th (iconic one-shotters with water backdrops and the famous Lone Fir tree), the par-4 16th (most photographed, clever angles), and the quirky 18th finish. Greens now smoother post-2015 tweaks. Pure fun and challenging.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Hotel Murano (Tacoma) Modern luxury downtown (short drive to course); often bundled in packages with $20 nightly F&B credit, parking, Wi-Fi
  • The Championship Experience Package, One round each at Chambers Bay, Gold Mountain (Olympic), and The Home Course + two nights at Hotel Murano (starts around $495 in off-peak 2026); unbeatable value for three top PNW tracks
  • Nearby options: Tacoma hotels, or extend to Salish Cliffs or other regional gems for multi-night trips

All Key Chambers Bay Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Chambers Bay (RTJ II links icon, U.S. Open host)
  • Nearby combos: Gold Mountain (Olympic Course), The Home Course (often in packages)
  • Plus practice facility, pro shop, and caddie program
  • Extend your trip: Hawks Prairie, Eagle’s Pride, or Gamble Sands farther afield

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times & packages early via chambersbaygolf.com or partners like Hotel Murano, walking-only means sturdy shoes and caddies (worth it for strategy and fun)
  • Fly into Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), easy 30-45 min drive south
  • Pair golf with PNW classics: fresh seafood (oysters, salmon), craft breweries in Tacoma, waterfront walks, or a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula
  • Embrace the wind (play mornings if gusty); forward tees for enjoyment; relive U.S. Open moments with plaques on key holes

Time to walk the links, battle the breeze off Puget Sound, and reset on one of America’s most unique public courses. Chambers Bay is calling your escape.

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