Chambers Bay Golf Course | Tacoma

Information

Landmark: Chambers Bay Golf Course
City: Tacoma
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America

Chambers Bay Golf Course, Tacoma, USA Washington, North America

Chambers Bay Golf Course is a public golf facility located in University Place, Washington, adjacent to Tacoma.

It is a links-style golf course situated on the shores of Puget Sound.

Visual Characteristics

The course features fescue grasses across its fairways and greens. The terrain is undulating, with significant elevation changes. The landscape incorporates natural ravines, native vegetation, and expansive views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The course is characterized by its sandy soil and exposed rock outcroppings.

Location & Access Logistics

Chambers Bay Golf Course is located at 6320 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98467. It is approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown Tacoma. Access is via Grandview Drive West, which connects to State Route 16. Ample parking is available on-site. Public transport options are limited; the Pierce Transit bus route 13 runs near the facility, with a stop approximately 1 mile from the clubhouse.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was formerly a sand and gravel mining operation. The golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 2007. It was constructed on reclaimed industrial land, transforming it into a public park and golf amenity. The ecological restoration focused on native plant species and managing stormwater runoff.

Key Highlights & Activities

Playing a round of golf is the primary activity. The course offers walking and riding cart options. The facility includes a practice area with driving range, putting green, and chipping area. The Chambers Bay Grill offers dining services. Walking the course without playing golf is permitted outside of scheduled tee times, subject to course conditions.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the clubhouse and at designated points on the course. Shade is limited on the course itself, with some provided by natural vegetation. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available throughout the property. Food and beverage services are available at the Chambers Bay Grill and a halfway house during operating hours.

Best Time to Visit

The best months for playing golf are typically May through October, offering drier conditions. The best time of day for photography is generally in the late afternoon, when the sun angle provides favorable lighting on the landscape and water. There are no specific tide requirements for playing the course.

Facts & Legends

Chambers Bay hosted the U.S. Open Championship in 2015, making it the first public course to host the event. The course's design emphasizes a natural, rugged aesthetic, reflecting its origins as a former industrial site.