Tacoma/Seattle, Early June

[05LMBVette]

I"m traveling for business the first week of June to Portland. I'll be flying into PDX early on Wednesday, June 6 and I was hell-bent on playing Chambers Bay, so my plan is to head north to Tacoma. My original plan was to play Chambers Bay twice, both June 6 and June 7, but based on some of my readings, there may be better options....?

 

Taking recommendations for Portland on Sat June 9, but its not at the top of my list b/c I can't guarantee I can make it work

 

So, my questions are:

1.) What would you recommend as an itinerary? Play CB twice? Play CB once and Home Course? I"ve read good things about Capitol City as well, etc.

 

2.) I welcome anyone that would want to join me. Typically I'm budget minded, so playing on a Twilight or otherwise reduced rate is my preference. I"m a low single-digit handicap, but don't really have any annoyances... wanna throw down a ball and hit that shot again, be my guest...

 

TIA!

[bradski]

Chambers and home course for sure. If you want to push it go to gold mountain also. 36 holes there.

[kaschreiber]

I'd echo the Home Course/GM over Chambers twice. Their greens have been atrocious as of late with a lot of temps down, but no reduced rate.

 

If you're looking for Portland area courses-

 

Tri Mountain in Ridgefield about 30 minutes north of the OR/WA border and right off i5 that you can hit on the way back to PDX

Camas Meadows- just north of the border, about 15 minutes off i5

Heron Lakes- just south of the border, about 10 minutes i5

[CMCSGolf]

Agree, you could maybe play Salish on your way to/from Portland, but I think Home Course is a better pairing with Chambers.

 

Do not play Capitol City. I've heard people say similar things, that is is a very good course, but I don't get it. It's a perfectly fine place to play a round, but it's not in the top 15ish in greater Seattle.

[SuperPapaBear]

I would also vouch for the Home Course. It's a great track with challenging but fair holes.

 

The Classic is a course that doesn't get much love but it's a great value and better testament to Northwest Golf. It's had some trees removed so it's not as penalizing, but you can't score well if you're not striking it well.

[05LMBVette]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Sounds like Chambers/Home Course are a big win.... My flight will probably come into PDX at 10:30am or so... by looking at Google Maps, I'm guessing that my best bet is to do Home Course on day 1, since its 30 mins closer to Portland, and then do CB on Thursday.....

 

Though, alternatively the reduced rates start at 1:30 for Home Course, meaning I could get on the road to Portland Thursday a good bit earlier.

 

For Portland, I appreciate the recommendations - - - - I need to try and stay close-ish to Portland, as my tee time will need to be after 10am or so, and I fly out saturday night (midnight-ish).... I'd love if its a place with a locker room so i could get a shower before going to PDX

[glk23]

If you must play Chambers just to say you did, then go for it. IMO, paying over $300 for the shape the greens are in is crazy. For sure play the Home Course and maybe Salish Cliffs.

 

Don't dog out on Capital City. Sure it is no Chambers or the Home Course, but for a city muni it is dry, has great greens and is crazy inexpensive. Of course one does not travel to play it, but if you're killing time and looking for an extra round you can't go wrong.

[flip_rome]

I'm with glk23... I wouldn't pay that much money for Chambers right now. Those greens are terrible. Home Course and Salish for sure!

[oregongolf]

I"m traveling for business the first week of June to Portland. I'll be flying into PDX early on Wednesday, June 6 and I was hell-bent on playing Chambers Bay, so my plan is to head north to Tacoma. My original plan was to play Chambers Bay twice, both June 6 and June 7, but based on some of my readings, there may be better options....?

 

Taking recommendations for Portland on Sat June 9, but its not at the top of my list b/c I can't guarantee I can make it work

 

So, my questions are:

1.) What would you recommend as an itinerary? Play CB twice? Play CB once and Home Course? I"ve read good things about Capitol City as well, etc.

 

2.) I welcome anyone that would want to join me. Typically I'm budget minded, so playing on a Twilight or otherwise reduced rate is my preference. I"m a low single-digit handicap, but don't really have any annoyances... wanna throw down a ball and hit that shot again, be my guest...

 

TIA!

 

I'd echo Chambers and Home Course unless you're a member at a private club.

 

Happy to host in Portland if the timing works out. Shoot me a PM as we get close.

[05LMBVette]

If you must play Chambers just to say you did, then go for it. IMO, paying over $300 for the shape the greens are in is crazy. For sure play the Home Course and maybe Salish Cliffs.

 

Don't dog out on Capital City. Sure it is no Chambers or the Home Course, but for a city muni it is dry, has great greens and is crazy inexpensive. Of course one does not travel to play it, but if you're killing time and looking for an extra round you can't go wrong.

I'm with glk23... I wouldn't pay that much money for Chambers right now. Those greens are terrible. Home Course and Salish for sure!

 

Honestly, I've only paid big money (near $300) twice in my life for golf, and both times I left disappointed... Generally speaking I haven't found courses like this to be SO much better than ones that can be played for just under $100... For chambers, i keep my self-promise... I'm planning to play it on Twilight for $119

 

Thanks for the thoughts!

[wkuo3]

A re-play at the Cambers Bay is discounted ( years a go was 50% off for the second 18 ).

 

However, walking only at the Chambers Bay the 36 will be a whole day deal and quite tiresome at the end of the day. If you must do that, schedule it well. Or inform the starter so they could schedule you with other players.

 

Home Course is nice so is Salish Cliff and a handful of nearby golf courses, but they are not as unique as the Chambers Bay. The only caution I want to alert you is that they might be re-seeding or work on the greens this year to bring the condition of the green to the same as when they hosted the U.S. Public Links, or even better condition then that to have another go at hosting the U.S. Open. So call ahead to ask about the golf course condition before you make your plan.

Other notable golf courses along the I-5 corridor closer to Oregon is the Oki course of the Hawks Prairies, 36 hole of the Woodland and the links ( think they might have a whole day deal for 36 holes with golf cart, the links is very walkable but the woodlands will need some hiking ) .

[bellken]

You really have to be hellbent to play Chambers Bay while in Portand for business. Tacoma, is a couple of hours away from Portland.

 

The 1st week in June, sunset will be around 9 pm, so, you should have plenty of daylight hours. But, summer doesn't really start in PNW, until mid-July, so, decent weather is not a given.

 

BTW, you might want to check out Pumpkin Ridge, which, is in the Portland area.

[05LMBVette]

You really have to be hellbent to play Chambers Bay while in Portand for business. Tacoma, is a couple of hours away from Portland. Why not, just fly into SEA/TAC?, play Chambers Bay, and, make your way down to Portland. I am guessing you are flying into Portland for a reason - work, and, that might interfere with golf. BTW, you might want to check out Pumpkin Ridge, which, is in the Portland area.

 

The 1st week in June, sunset will be around 9 pm, so, you should have plenty of daylight hours. But, summer doesn't really start in PNW, until mid-July, so, decent weather is not a given.

I am flying for business, and I don't think I could get them to cover an open-jaw flight... I had looked at flying into Seattle and then back out of Seattle a day after my work engagement ends, but that wasn't going to work for me for the next week... A couple hour drive isn't that bad in my opinion, but if the general consensus closer to June is that CB isn't in good enough condition to warrant the drive/cost, then i'll readjust... that's the beauty of this forum - locals can give me the scoop on conditions....

Thanks for your thoughts though!

[05LMBVette]

Well, I really didn't think the organization would allow for an open-jaw flight, but I was able to change it today (less than 24 hours from my original booking)... so I WILL be flying into SEA on Wed ... hopefully play Chambers Bay if its in good condition... while i'm never hellbent on anything, i may not get back to this region for another 5-10 years

[wkuo3]

Great, we had not been to the South Puget Sound for more than a year now. The I-5 through Tacoma area is under construction for the longest time. Avoid rush hour traffic if all possible and be patient.

I would find a hotel close to the Chambers Bay so you won't have to double back to Seattle.

Remember they will be re-sodding in 2018 so calling the golf course ahead is a must.

[glk23]

If you can avoid it, do not stay in Seattle. The drive down to Chamber will be awful and probably well over an hour. Staying in Tacoma will leave you only about :15-20 to Chambers. You could also stay in Dupont which is only 5 away from the Home Course and maybe 20 from Chambers.

[bradski]

Sounds like you have a good plan. I have to echo capital city isnt top 30 in washington. I also will echo chamber greens when i played werent worth more than 100 dollars per round no matter how unique the course was.

[05LMBVette]

I have been planning on staying in the Lakewood/Dupont area..... glad i'm on the right track there.. hoping to just get an AirBnB for a good price...

 

Still welcoming some playing partners.... just have to know that on the pace the weather is going in upstate NY right now, I may have only swung my clubs about twice... and i've got all new irons and putter, so it should be a blast

[Phireside]

just played chambers last weekend. it's a great course with atrocious greens. I'm so so on the home course, and would take salish cliffs over it any day.

[bellken]

If you are a Costco member, some of the local Costco's have Chambers Bay gift cards - $180 for $200 gift cards. If you manage to play with someone with a membership, you might be able to get the member guest rate, but, that is really a bit of a stretch. good luck, and, I hope you get good weather

[05LMBVette]

Got a place for my first night in Tacoma, so I'm good there....

 

As we get closer, I"ll be asking you guys for some advice regarding chambers bay... I keep seeing a lot about Salish Cliffs, so if Chambers Bay is a no-go, then I"ll substitute it for CB.

 

Though - just a question - would you really expect the greens to be reasonable at this time of the year?? To hear greens in poor condition this time of the year for me isn't unusual... if a course is even open, greens are probably really slow and as bumpy as a gravel driveway - - - but I live in upstate NY and I don't know what kind of winter conditions exist for the northwest US

[wkuo3]

You are correct about the condition for the greens in general for the Winter, even the fairways and tee boxes are not ideal for all the moisture we had been having. Too wet to trim the rough and the no chance to mow the green and roll it until into the June July months.

If you're not coming back this way in the near future, I would consider playing the Chambers Bay, make your reservation and check with the pro-shop for condition before the expiration time for cancellation.

Check the local crime rate before you commit on the stay over Hotel or AB&B. Some parts of the Town is not safe.

 

Sorry I couldn't tee up with you, I might be in California and New Mexico. Hate to leave town when it's nice and dry but I'll be back in August.

[leejohnkieh]

Play Home Course when you get to the Tacoma area.

 

Next day take the trek to Gold Mountain since its about a 35 minute-ish drive. They have a deal year round that you can play both courses on the property.

 

Chamber's is cool and all but not worth for out of towner's to shell out $300 like the guys above have said in its current condition. If you must you can just drive there and take in the views.

Then play Home Course June 6th.

[05LMBVette]

Thanks for continuing to pour in the feedback..

 

I think I noted above, but my plan for CB was to play the Twighlight on Wednesday, which will be $119.... still not worth it??

 

I would never shell out $300 again... i paid $275 to play the Plantation Course at Kapalua, and as cool as it is to watch on TV the holes I played, it just wasn't worth anywhere near that cost - that's when i decided I'd never pay that kinda money again...

[Phireside]

Its worth $119 for the experience if you are not from the area. I would skip the home course. nice course, but not as nice as chambers or salish. there is nothing special about it. Since you are traveling to the area go for chambers and salish second. I don't think you will get great greens ar chambers for another few years while they undergo the transition so don't sweat it

[glk23]

With our tax rate, twilight will be more like $135 and probably worth it since you're not from here. I like the suggestions for Salish as your second round but if spring doesn't come soon that course will be pretty wet the first of June. Going a little further to Gold Mountain might be a better idea. I personally really like the Home Course, but I don't try comparing it to Chambers. It is a very nice mid priced option with some tough green complexed that can lead to trouble if you haven't played it before.

[wkuo3]

Oh, Chambers Bay has the best price for the Pierce County residents ( where the golf course is located ). One second best discounted price for Washington residents, and the visitors pay the general rate.

Find someone resides in the Pierce County and you might be able to get away with the preferred rate, as a guest to the resident.

[bellken]

Oh, Chambers Bay has the best price for the Pierce County residents ( where the golf course is located ). One second best discounted price for Washington residents, and the visitors pay the general rate.

Find someone resides in the Pierce County and you might be able to get away with the preferred rate, as a guest to the resident.

 

Actually, the member guest rate is the best (my friend was a member last year). But, if you are staying 2 nights, you might check out the "Championship Experience" - https://www.chambers...ip-experience/. I don't know if it is worthwhile, since, I have no clue about hotel rates in Tacoma (could be worthwhile, since, it includes complimentary same day replays, ok, as I actually read it vs. just glancing at it, I think the Championship Experience would well worthwhile, if it works for you -

Price includes a round of golf at Chambers Bay, Gold Mountain (Olympic Course), and The Home Course with a two-nights stay at the

Hotel Murano

. Carts are included at Gold Mountain and The Home Course; Chambers Bay is a walking-only facility (complimentary pull/push carts are available).

[jah7838]

This thread has been very helpful. My wife and I are flying from Dallas to Portland this summer, and flying back from Seattle. I got the ok to play at least 1 round of golf while up there. I really want to play Chambers Bay, but I like the other suggestions thrown out there.

[Golfnuck]

Thanks for continuing to pour in the feedback..

 

I think I noted above, but my plan for CB was to play the Twighlight on Wednesday, which will be $119.... still not worth it??

 

I would never shell out $300 again... i paid $275 to play the Plantation Course at Kapalua, and as cool as it is to watch on TV the holes I played, it just wasn't worth anywhere near that cost - that's when i decided I'd never pay that kinda money again...

 

I am from the Northwest and have played all the courses mentioned - Chambers, Home Course, Salish Cliffs, Golf Mountain.

 

If this is your one visit to the Northwest I would definitely play Chambers Bay.

 

It is not merely about the condition of the golf course (yes CB is in the process of moving to Poa greens) but rather the fact it has hosted a US Open.

 

Your golf buddies will have never heard about Home Course, Salish Cliffs and Gold Mountain. All generic no name courses of which there are thousand in the US.

 

How many other times have you played a course that has hosted a US Open?