CHAMBERS BAY PREVIEW, HOLES 12-18

By Torleif Sorenson on 6/17/15

Today, we have a look at Holes 4 through 11, introduced by Fox Sports analyst Holly Sonders and internationally-known architect Gil Hanse, who is not an employee or RTJ Jr., but nevertheless appreciates and can explain his work well. And if you aren't already aware, Chambers Bay may appear to be like the late great Alan Shepard playing golf on the moon — in several places.

Hole 12

Chambers Bay architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. named this hole "The Narrows" — quite appropriately. USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and his staff may make this the narrowest fairway in U.S. Open history. And this writer doesn't feel that the 12th being a driveable par-4 helps, because the green is, as Gil Hanse points out, heavily contoured.

Hole 13

Chambers Bay is advertised as having only one tree on the course — and that is true. But between the backdrop of evergreens and the fescue-covered mounds that define the fairway, the 13th might be one of the prettiest on this course.

Hole 14

As with typical U.S. Open course setups, Mike Davis & Company are demanding an awfully long carry off the tee on at least one hole. The 14th serves as one such test.

Hole 15

The signature hole at Chambers Bay features the one lone tree in play on the course, as well as the namesake body of water as the backdrop. And as Hanse points out, the USGA could really screw with players here, thanks to multiple tee-boxes that will allow play to stretch from 120 to 246 yards. We would not be surprised if Davis & Crew make use of those various tee-boxes, either.

Hole 16

As with the 15th, flexibility in length gives the USGA some options in hole setup. The railroad is OB, and with the noise, we will be interested in seeing how much of a distraction passing trains will be to some golfers.

Hole 17

Here is another picturesque hole, but again, flexibility and difficulty are chief among the features, as Hanse explains.

Hole 18

As Sonders and Hanse illustrate, the bunker fronting the green isn't the only challenge here. If golfers are physically and emotionally tired by the time they arrive at the 18th green, the wicked contours of the green will prove to be one last, huge obstacle.

One thing is certain: If any one man is going to win this championship, he will need to be mentally sharp — all the way to the final putt.

While Chambers Bay will probably be long and exhausting for players, we fans are sure to have a good time watching.


Have you seen an interesting golf story? Tell us about it!