Chambers Bay: The Walking-Only Links Course Above Puget Sound
Chambers Bay is a public walking-only links course on Puget Sound, built on a reclaimed sand and gravel mine and host of the 2015 U.S. Open.
Chambers Bay is a public walking-only links course on Puget Sound, built on a reclaimed sand and gravel mine and host of the 2015 U.S. Open.
From a former quarry to a U.S. Open venue
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Chambers Bay opened in 2007 and was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The property was transformed from a sand and gravel mine into a large public park and golf landscape beside Puget Sound. The setting is part of the design: open ground, native grasses, dramatic elevation changes and views towards the Olympic Mountains.
The course entered the global golf story when it hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. That championship placed Chambers Bay’s unusual links character before a worldwide audience. The event also prompted ongoing discussion about course setup and green surfaces, making the venue a fascinating example of how modern championship golf interacts with natural terrain.
A walking course that makes the landscape part of the challenge
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Chambers Bay is intentionally walking-only. Its 249 hilly acres create a demanding walk, and the rolling ground can make the distance between the tee, landing area and green feel longer than the scorecard suggests. Push and pull carts are available, while caddies can be reserved for players who want help with yardages, green reading and course strategy.
The wide corridors may look forgiving, but the changing elevation and firm links-style surfaces reward thoughtful positioning. A ball that runs beyond the intended landing area can leave a difficult next shot, so choosing a realistic target is essential.
The course is public, but the walk is not easy
Chambers Bay does not require membership, yet its walking-only format and 249 hilly acres make preparation important. Plan the day, not just the tee time.
Puget Sound views are part of the round
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The course’s setting above the water is one of its defining attractions. The Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound form a memorable horizon, while the natural grasses and sandy waste areas give the course a distinctly Pacific Northwest character.
Visitors should plan for a full walking day. Comfortable shoes, weather-ready layers and an honest assessment of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable. If you want help managing the terrain, reserve a caddie in advance rather than assuming one will be available on arrival.
A public course with residency-based booking and 2026 rates
Chambers Bay is open to the public without membership. Its official 2026 rate schedule varies by residency, month and demand. Residency-based tee times are released up to three months ahead from the first of each month; advanced reservations for April–October have separate booking rules. Check the current calendar before choosing dates.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Is Chambers Bay open to the public?
Yes. The course is public and does not require membership.
Are golf carts available?
Chambers Bay is walking-only. Push and pull carts are available, and caddies can be reserved.
Who designed Chambers Bay?
Robert Trent Jones II designed the course, which opened in 2007.
When did Chambers Bay host the U.S. Open?
The course hosted the U.S. Open in 2015.
How far ahead can visitors book?
The official booking page describes residency-based windows up to three months ahead and separate advanced booking arrangements.
