Chambers Bay public golf course has rested in University Place on Puget Sound southwest of Tacoma, Washington for only eight years but the links course has already developed a legendary reputation. The course will host the 2015 U.S. Open from June 18-21 and before a single ball has been struck, controversy and criticism has been flowing across the golf world.
Although the course’s reputation has been slowly building since being awarded the U.S. Open shortly after opening and hosting the 2010 U.S. Amateur, the unforgiving greens were thrust into the global spotlight after golfer Ryan Palmer came out firing in late April, telling USA Today Sports, “As far as the greens are concerned, it’s not a championship golf course”.
Other professionals have played practice rounds on the course since Palmer’s comments and most came away with similar, albeit more reserved, feelings. Earlier this week, Tiger Woods said approach shots and putting will be demanding but not impossible, that is assuming the USGA doesn’t elect for impossible pin placements. Phil Mickelson admitted it’s a tough course but doesn’t see things getting out hand.
We won’t truly see what Palmer and others have voiced their strong opinions about until players take to Chambers Bay on June 18th but here’s a brief photo tour of what could be the most difficult PGA Tour course ever.
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