Tacoma/Seattle, Early June

[05LMBVette]

great advice!

 

For anyone interested in playing Wednesday June 6 or 7, let me know. I'll be flying into SEA around 10:30am... so anytime after that works for me... spending the night in Tacoma on the 6th and then driving to Portland in the evening on the 7th, but with no real schedule, so I don't care if that's even super late in the evening

[SheriffBooth]

Played Chambers Bay last Sunday at twilight.

 

Just an incredible golf course - visually stunning. We were very lucky with the weather - blue skies and sunshine. Greens were in rough shape and inconsistent, in my opinion, but that really did not matter to me one bit as the rest of the course was that special. I would have gladly paid full price. The only real downside was pace of play - the course was not really marshaled and we finished our round in right at 5 hours in the dark on 18, and we waited on virtually every shot from the second hole on. That might have been serendipitous though, as we got to play 16 and 17 as the sun was setting on the Sound.

[plutch]

Were ALL the holes open and playable? No temps, no moved tee's??

[SheriffBooth]

ALL holes were open and playable. No temporary greens, no odd tee boxes. As best I could tell three or four had been through the full poa annua conversion, the rest were still the broccoli style mix of poa and fescue. But I was honestly not scrutinizing the green surfaces - the fully converted surfaces were very slow and a different speed from the rest.

[05LMBVette]

Thanks SheriffBooth - - - i'm really looking forward to playing there.

 

Did you play as a single? When i called a couple weeks ago, they told me they woudlnt' take tee times for a single, and that I'd have to walk up and hope there's a group I can join.

[SheriffBooth]

No, I was there as a threesome. Not sure how singles might work. But my group was three and the group in front of me was three.

[duffer987]

Thanks SheriffBooth - - - i'm really looking forward to playing there.

 

Did you play as a single? When i called a couple weeks ago, they told me they woudlnt' take tee times for a single, and that I'd have to walk up and hope there's a group I can join.

 

That's weird. Don't tell them their booking engine let's singles book. I've always booked online as a single, I'm actually looking to do so in the next week or two actually.

[wkuo3]

Single golfer could reserve a spot but not always paired with other golfers at the time the single wish to go out. Depending on your preference, some would not mind to get out by themselves, and some would rather join the others for company in the next 4-4 1/2 hours.

If one has time to spare, always go a bit earlier and inform the Pro-Shop that you wish to join others for the round. The course is usually not overbooked ( being on top of the green fee charged in the area ), but in the high Season of Summer months, it could get booked out during the prime time.

More locals use the twilight rate than paying the full fair. But you might run into a few members in the earlier tee time.

[05LMBVette]

ok thanks!

 

I prefer to play with others.... otherwise I play very quickly, get backed up behind other groups, and then start hitting multiple balls to pass the time... no better way to lose focus...

[Randy_Bobandy]

Played Chambers Bay last Sunday at twilight.

 

Just an incredible golf course - visually stunning. We were very lucky with the weather - blue skies and sunshine. Greens were in rough shape and inconsistent, in my opinion, but that really did not matter to me one bit as the rest of the course was that special. I would have gladly paid full price. The only real downside was pace of play - the course was not really marshaled and we finished our round in right at 5 hours in the dark on 18, and we waited on virtually every shot from the second hole on. That might have been serendipitous though, as we got to play 16 and 17 as the sun was setting on the Sound.

 

I played Chambers this weekend and had a very similar experience. The course was absolutely amazing, there really is nothing like it that I have seen in my golfing life so far. For being in the PNW, the turf was incredibly firm and you had to play slopes just to get balls on the green. The entire property is incredible, and turf conditions were fantastic (except the greens).I actually didn't think that the greens were that bad. It was obvious which greens were still "fescue" greens, but after the horror stories I read here I thought they actually rolled semi-decently. I only really had one putt that jumped around on me the whole day, but the big thing was inconsistent speed with those greens. The couple greens that had completely converted over were quite nice. Very smooth but not quite as firm as the fescue greens, though it didn't change how the course played which is really the important thing.Honestly I think its worth it even at full price right now. I went during twilight and payed $140 (taxes included), and think I got a good deal. The greens didn't really bother me too much, but I did come in with very low expectations. Once they get all the greens converted over, that would shut up the naysayers and they can host another high level tournament there. This wouldn't be "just another tour stop" like so many of the courses I see on TV are.Oh yeah, one other thing. The practice facility there was laughable. The mats we hit off of were lumpy, they didn't let you chip on the practice green even though there was a bunker next to it and an apron. Also, the practice green was quite different from the greens on the course so the first 4-5 putts were basically guesswork on the speed.

[leejohnkieh]

I am playing in the Puget Sound Amateur this weekend so I'll see if my opinions of the course differ or align with the naysayers.

[wkuo3]

Have fun, June here typically has nice weather. Drive carefully, our traffic is not quite as bad as DFW area but close with all the population boom and roadway construction. Be patent and don't totally depending on the GPS guidance, use your head and your eyes and plan ahead. Be extra careful since we had a rash of DUI incidents since the legalization of the recreation use of Cannabis.

I'll be in California visiting my kid.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the advice.

 

Be very careful driving through the Lakewood, Tacoma area, recent road rage resulted in several shooting on freeway. Road construction is putting heavy traffic on the roadway. I have no idea where these people came from, it was not like this even several years ago.

One car had a "automatic pistol " stuck in the front bumper on freeway. Driver noticed an object flew by in front of the car, not knowing what happened , kept on driving until stop for fuel 28 miles down the road and this is what he found at the gas station.

[jah7838]

Have fun, June here typically has nice weather. Drive carefully, our traffic is not quite as bad as DFW area but close with all the population boom and roadway construction. Be patent and don't totally depending on the GPS guidance, use your head and your eyes and plan ahead. Be extra careful since we had a rash of DUI incidents since the legalization of the recreation use of Cannabis.

I'll be in California visiting my kid.

 

Thanks. I appreciate the advice.

 

Be very careful driving through the Lakewood, Tacoma area, recent road rage resulted in several shooting on freeway. Road construction is putting heavy traffic on the roadway. I have no idea where these people came from, it was not like this even several years ago.

One car had a "automatic pistol " stuck in the front bumper on freeway. Driver noticed an object flew by in front of the car, not knowing what happened , kept on driving until stop for fuel 28 miles down the road and this is what he found at the gas station.

 

Wow!!! I'll definitely keep an eye out while driving. I've never seen that before. Thanks for the heads up. If I remember correctly, our hotel is in the Tacoma area.

[05LMBVette]

Well, i'm now less than 1 week out from hopefully getting to play Chambers bay and the other courses in the area and I was served with bad news last weekend... Playing Saturday, 17th hole, darn near crumpled over ... got a pain in my side that was excruciating... Turns out, I strained/pulled the oblique muscle in my abdomen... was excruciating for the first couple days - I sneezed once and it felt like someone stuck a knife in my side and was just turning it around.. took 10 mins to subside...

Now, as of last night, I could get a club just past 1/2 way back before it started to hurt, so we're making progress... just wanna be careful that I don't reinjure it... I'm keeping up with my regimen of Ibuprofen, hot and cold, and I'm hoping I can swing by next Wed or Thursday... Honestly, i'm one that has a very huge turn with my hips and shoulders, and its how I generate so much speed, but even if I have to play 1/2 swings and can hit a 6 iron 180 instead of 200-205, I can live with that.... so long as I can do that without pain, i'll prob still play.

[leejohnkieh]

Well, i'm now less than 1 week out from hopefully getting to play Chambers bay and the other courses in the area and I was served with bad news last weekend... Playing Saturday, 17th hole, darn near crumpled over ... got a pain in my side that was excruciating... Turns out, I strained/pulled the oblique muscle in my abdomen... was excruciating for the first couple days - I sneezed once and it felt like someone stuck a knife in my side and was just turning it around.. took 10 mins to subside...

Now, as of last night, I could get a club just past 1/2 way back before it started to hurt, so we're making progress... just wanna be careful that I don't reinjure it... I'm keeping up with my regimen of Ibuprofen, hot and cold, and I'm hoping I can swing by next Wed or Thursday... Honestly, i'm one that has a very huge turn with my hips and shoulders, and its how I generate so much speed, but even if I have to play 1/2 swings and can hit a 6 iron 180 instead of 200-205, I can live with that.... so long as I can do that without pain, i'll prob still play.

 

I've gone through the same thing because I was golfing too much and not stretching enough even though I stay very active. Best thing to do is to do light stretches and don't touch a club.

[05LMBVette]

So, I got to play chambers bay under the twilight rate, and I thought it was worth every penny.... sure, the greens were a bit inconsistent when it comes to speed, and the sand in the bunkers around the greens was the same crappy stuff in the waste bunkers - - - but the layout of the course might be my favorite ever....

[R4haehl]

Good to hear and glad you enjoyed your time. Definitely a fun track to play and experience. I dont recall if you will be playing other courses but if so, please come back and update us on where you played! About to head into a great stretch of weather as well. Enjoy your time in WA!

[jah7838]

So I played Salish Cliffs yesterday and had a great time. Course was beautiful and in great shape. Definitely had the best views of any course I’ve ever played. Never played a course with so much elevation changes before, so it was fun to figure out how to hit certain shots. My rangefinder with slope came in handy with club selection. The course was only 20 minutes from our hotel in Olympia, so it worked out great. I was done in a little less than 3 hours, which gave my wife and I more time together. We made the drive up to Seattle and spent the evening out there.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations. Today we’re heading towards Portland for the rest of our vacation, and making a stop to see Mount Saint Helens on the way.

[XHoop24]

Very excited to be playing Chambers Bay on 6/29 as a single for the first time. Going out around 1:12 PM if anyone wants to join this 14 HC.

 

That said, I will have the chance to play again during a stay in Woodinville. Any suggestions on a second course to add to the trip? Doesn't have to be anything fancy but looking for a good walk and with some NW flavor.

[leejohnkieh]

So I played Salish Cliffs yesterday and had a great time. Course was beautiful and in great shape. Definitely had the best views of any course I’ve ever played. Never played a course with so much elevation changes before, so it was fun to figure out how to hit certain shots. My rangefinder with slope came in handy with club selection. The course was only 20 minutes from our hotel in Olympia, so it worked out great. I was done in a little less than 3 hours, which gave my wife and I more time together. We made the drive up to Seattle and spent the evening out there.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations. Today we’re heading towards Portland for the rest of our vacation, and making a stop to see Mount Saint Helens on the way.

 

I played Salish on Sunday and i was disappointed with their greens =\. Super slow and ball marks everywhere.

[leejohnkieh]

Very excited to be playing Chambers Bay on 6/29 as a single for the first time. Going out around 1:12 PM if anyone wants to join this 14 HC.

 

That said, I will have the chance to play again during a stay in Woodinville. Any suggestions on a second course to add to the trip? Doesn't have to be anything fancy but looking for a good walk and with some NW flavor.

 

If you're wanting to stay in the Woodinville area, I'd recommend Redmond Ridge (a little pricey/difficult), Echo Falls (easier/shorter), or Willows Run (can get packed).

[CMCSGolf]

Very excited to be playing Chambers Bay on 6/29 as a single for the first time. Going out around 1:12 PM if anyone wants to join this 14 HC.

 

That said, I will have the chance to play again during a stay in Woodinville. Any suggestions on a second course to add to the trip? Doesn't have to be anything fancy but looking for a good walk and with some NW flavor.

 

If you're wanting to stay in the Woodinville area, I'd recommend Redmond Ridge (a little pricey/difficult), Echo Falls (easier/shorter), or Willows Run (can get packed).

 

I'm not sure if you literally meant walk, but do not walk Redmond. It's certainly possible, but the back 9 has several hundred yard walks across roads to the next hole. Willows is certainly crowded, but I think both courses there are far better than Echo Falls. Snohomish Golf Course is a decent track that is compact and easy to walk if you're looking for another idea.

[XHoop24]

Very excited to be playing Chambers Bay on 6/29 as a single for the first time. Going out around 1:12 PM if anyone wants to join this 14 HC.

 

That said, I will have the chance to play again during a stay in Woodinville. Any suggestions on a second course to add to the trip? Doesn't have to be anything fancy but looking for a good walk and with some NW flavor.

 

If you're wanting to stay in the Woodinville area, I'd recommend Redmond Ridge (a little pricey/difficult), Echo Falls (easier/shorter), or Willows Run (can get packed).

 

I'm not sure if you literally meant walk, but do not walk Redmond. It's certainly possible, but the back 9 has several hundred yard walks across roads to the next hole. Willows is certainly crowded, but I think both courses there are far better than Echo Falls. Snohomish Golf Course is a decent track that is compact and easy to walk if you're looking for another idea.

 

Thanks for the replies. I do hope to walk, so appreciate the info on Redmond. I will do some research this weekend and make a decision.

[jah7838]

So I played Salish Cliffs yesterday and had a great time. Course was beautiful and in great shape. Definitely had the best views of any course I’ve ever played. Never played a course with so much elevation changes before, so it was fun to figure out how to hit certain shots. My rangefinder with slope came in handy with club selection. The course was only 20 minutes from our hotel in Olympia, so it worked out great. I was done in a little less than 3 hours, which gave my wife and I more time together. We made the drive up to Seattle and spent the evening out there.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations. Today we’re heading towards Portland for the rest of our vacation, and making a stop to see Mount Saint Helens on the way.

 

I played Salish on Sunday and i was disappointed with their greens =\. Super slow and ball marks everywhere.

 

That’s weird. They were just fine when I played. They were a little soft from some rain when I played on Thursday, but there weren’t a ton of ball marks. There was some on every hole, but nothing that I wouldn’t expect. Guess they got a ton of traffic from Thursday to Sunday. I get annoyed when people don’t fix their marks for that very reason. It ruins it for other people.

 

I didn’t think the greens were slow either. They weren’t crazy fast either...couldn’t be too aggressive the on downhill putts I did have.

[leejohnkieh]

So I played Salish Cliffs yesterday and had a great time. Course was beautiful and in great shape. Definitely had the best views of any course I’ve ever played. Never played a course with so much elevation changes before, so it was fun to figure out how to hit certain shots. My rangefinder with slope came in handy with club selection. The course was only 20 minutes from our hotel in Olympia, so it worked out great. I was done in a little less than 3 hours, which gave my wife and I more time together. We made the drive up to Seattle and spent the evening out there.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations. Today we’re heading towards Portland for the rest of our vacation, and making a stop to see Mount Saint Helens on the way.

 

I played Salish on Sunday and i was disappointed with their greens =\. Super slow and ball marks everywhere.

 

That’s weird. They were just fine when I played. They were a little soft from some rain when I played on Thursday, but there weren’t a ton of ball marks. There was some on every hole, but nothing that I wouldn’t expect. Guess they got a ton of traffic from Thursday to Sunday. I get annoyed when people don’t fix their marks for that very reason. It ruins it for other people.

 

I didn’t think the greens were slow either. They weren’t crazy fast either...couldn’t be too aggressive the on downhill putts I did have.

 

I don't like it either when people don't fix their ball marks. Probably the most irritating bad habit on the course for me.

 

Ground was very soft and the grass was pretty cushiony. Reason why it was super slow. Although I am coming from playing greens that have been a 13+ for the last several weeks.....

[05LMBVette]

I also played at The Home Course in DuPont... I played it from the tips, and didn't find the length to be a problem, I just didn't play well in general... Nonetheless, I didn't find the Home Course to be as great as some said it was...I felt like it had an identity issue - some pot bunkers, some regular... some knolls and lots of off-camber shots.... While some might like the variety, I didn't take away anything special - - - maybe the problem was because I had played Chambers the day before and thought it was spectacular.

[spud3]

I also played at The Home Course in DuPont... I played it from the tips, and didn't find the length to be a problem, I just didn't play well in general... Nonetheless, I didn't find the Home Course to be as great as some said it was...I felt like it had an identity issue - some pot bunkers, some regular... some knolls and lots of off-camber shots.... While some might like the variety, I didn't take away anything special - - - maybe the problem was because I had played Chambers the day before and thought it was spectacular.

 

I had the same issue with Walla Walla CC last week - I literally played there two hours after walking off Wine Valley, and WV totally blew my mind.

 

WWCC, an otherwise excellent course, impressed me as monochromatic and pedestrian. Truth is, if I hadn't just played at WV, I probably would have liked it a lot more.

 

I played the Home course the day after playing Salish, and liked it a lot more than if I'd just played at Chambers.

[wkuo3]

I also played at The Home Course in DuPont... I played it from the tips, and didn't find the length to be a problem, I just didn't play well in general... Nonetheless, I didn't find the Home Course to be as great as some said it was...I felt like it had an identity issue - some pot bunkers, some regular... some knolls and lots of off-camber shots.... While some might like the variety, I didn't take away anything special - - - maybe the problem was because I had played Chambers the day before and thought it was spectacular.

 

It was built for the DuPont Exec. when the head quarter was in town. The golf course was sold to the WSGA and NWGA as their Home site, hence the name.

It is not easy to score well from the tip, it was one of the qualifying golf course for the U.S. Public Links and Amateur.

Nothing special is right, but a very nice Golf and Country Club feel.