Chambers Bay Golf Course
Chambers Bay Golf Course offers a striking links-style journey along the Pacific Northwest coast, blending challenging coastal winds and fast greens with expansive views of Puget Sound. This public 18-hole course tests strategy and creativity while providing thoughtful amenities for an engaging visit.
Course Overview
Chambers Bay Golf Course stands apart as a compelling destination for golfers seeking an unrivaled blend of Pacific Northwest coastal beauty and strategic challenge. This public, 18-hole layout is carved from an old sand and gravel quarry in University Place, Washington, just southwest of Tacoma. It presents a links-style experience uncommon on the West Coast, where expansive dunes, rolling terrain, and the ever-present Puget Sound winds shape both scenery and play.
From the first tee, golfers confront a course that encourages thoughtful club selection and shot creativity. Ground game precision is essential on the wide-open fairways that often slope toward deep bunkers and native grasses. The greens are notoriously fast and undulating, demanding an acute touch and keen reading skills. You will find yourself navigating risk-reward opportunities, especially on several drivable par 4s and long par 5s where the elements and topography dictate strategy. This course challenges players of all levels, yet provides enough leniency for mid-handicappers to enjoy the coastal vistas without overwhelming frustration.
The natural landscape around Chambers Bay offers dramatic views of Puget Sound and surrounding islands, with vantage points that showcase the interplay of water, sky, and land. One of its distinctive features includes the large poles scattered throughout the property where visitors leave locks inscribed with messages, offering an unexpected cultural touch alongside the golf.
Amenities are thoughtfully designed to enhance the visit. Spacious parking, well-maintained restrooms, and water stations—including dog-friendly fountains—add practicality for players and their families. The clubhouse facilities provide a welcoming environment, while members of the staff are known for their helpful attitude and insightful course advice.
Walking Chambers Bay can be a rigorous workout due to some steep grades, but the pathways and layout allow for a rewarding stroll if you’re comfortable with moderate elevation changes. The combination of visual drama, genuine challenge, and coastal ambiance makes Chambers Bay more than a round of golf—it is an experience that lingers in memory long after the final putt has dropped.
Course Highlights
Chambers Bay is distinguished by its links-style design set on a former quarry, featuring sprawling dunes, diabolical bunkers, and meltingly fast greens that demand precise putting. Coastal winds off Puget Sound add a dynamic layer of difficulty that rewards strategic play. The course’s iconic scenic views and the unique cultural element of its lock poles add character beyond the fairways and greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Adam Heck
Not for the beginning golfer!! Played Chambers for the first time yesterday, 7am tee time. First off, I was blown away by the hospitality of every employee we interacted with from the gentleman checking us in at the clubhouse, to the shuttle driver taking us down to the practice greens/range and especially the starter who gave us some incredibly helpful tips for dealing with the extremely difficult greens. They aren’t kidding when you hear you can fairway putt from 30 yards off the green! Immaculate conditions and diabolical bunkers/hazards!! I’m a 14 handicap and barely stayed under 100. If you’re a fader or slicer, beware of #8. With dry or wet conditions; If a putt is uphill, give it 10-20% more than you think and take off 30% downhill. Gorgeous views and fantastic experience. Good luck.
Jack Daly
I had the chance to sneak on as a single during a business trip to Seattle, and playing Chambers Bay was absolutely worth it. This is a truly unique piece of property—carved out of an old sand and gravel pit, it offers a dramatic and beautiful setting unlike most other courses in the Pacific Northwest. Being from Chicago, I’ve never played anything like it. The course is a fantastic test of golf that forces you to think your way around every hole. It’s not just about hitting fairways and greens—you really have to manage angles, slopes, and the ever-present wind coming off the Puget Sound. There’s incredible risk-reward golf throughout, especially on holes like the drivable par 4s and the long par 5s where strategy is everything. It’s the kind of place where every shot matters and no two rounds will play the same. The layout is tough but fair, and the challenge is part of what makes it so fun. Definitely one of the more memorable courses I’ve played, and if you’re anywhere near Seattle/Tacoma with your clubs, it’s a must-play.
Courtney Murphy
Not only is the golf course stunning, but the event space is absolutely amazing. We had an event there recently and everyone was blown away but the beauty inside with the chandeliers as well as the view of the bay. Plus the staff was incredible to work with and we can’t wait to go back!
Jahaira Ordonez
Great place to go walk and see the sunset
Courtney Murphy
Not only is the golf course stunning, but the event space is absolutely amazing. We had an event there recently and everyone was blown away but the beauty inside with the chandeliers as well as the view of the bay. Plus the staff was incredible to work with and we can’t wait to go back!
Jessica Bailey
Truly breathtaking Golf Course + place to get married or host an event! Attended the Beauty Boost Tacoma's Hippie Dippie Summer Social here, and can't wait to bring out of town guests here for drinks on the patio and for a round of golf. The staff was very kind + helpful the entire event!
Nalani Loepke
Chambers bay is the perfect place to come to clear your mind. If you come early it’s not busy, later in the day is does get pretty busy but never crowded because it’s so spacious. They have these big poles which people can add locks on with writing which is worth seeing. You can walk all the way down to the water and around the golf course. It’s extremely well maintained I’d say it takes 2-3 hours to complete the loop. And there are some pretty steep sections. It’s a good workout and it’s so beautiful. There’s plenty of free parking, restrooms, water fountains (including some for dogs) and a real quality park here for children as well. If you’re in the area pay it a visit you won’t regret it and will likely begin frequenting it (like me 😉). Oh and if you like running you will love it here, it’s paved and flat so you can run with minimal disruptions!
Kiva Nguyen
Riki Plester
Incredible course. Lots of variety in holes, spectacular views & great staff. Joel & Frank were excellent caddies.
joann loyola
This beautiful, spacious area is perfect for sports, picnics, and family gatherings. You can enjoy jogging, walking, or biking while taking in breathtaking views of the long train and beach, with stunning sights of nearby islands. Don't miss the art locks experience and the chance to play golf too. Enjoy the outdoors and make memories!
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Course Details
Access & Location
6320 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98467, USA
Chambers Bay Clubhouse with dining, pro shop, and event spaces
Walking is encouraged and feasible, but players should be prepared for some steep elevation changes and uneven terrain. Sturdy golf shoes recommended.
Advance tee time reservations recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
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