Chambers Bay Hole 8

[Tim Nugent]

Tom Yost, perhaps next time you might want to try playing from the fairway

[Richard Choi]

When I first played this hole, I thought it was bit boring and less-than-inspiring and one of the worst hole on the golf course. However, this hole gets better every time your play. There is a ton of subtle design elements that you notice every time you play and your appreciation grows deeper. Now it is one of my favorite holes.

9 still sucks though...

[Sean Leary]

When I first played this hole, I thought it was bit boring and less-than-inspiring and one of the worst hole on the golf course. However, this hole gets better every time your play. There is a ton of subtle design elements that you notice every time you play and your appreciation grows deeper. Now it is one of my favorite holes.

9 still sucks though...

Brush Tee,

It's in my top 17 favorite holes there as well. Cmon, man, get a hold of yourself. 

[Brian Phillips]

With this view of the 8th It looks a lot better than the other photos.

[Michael Dugger]

If the 8th is a good hole then there is nothing wrong with every single narrow tree lined course in the world...

And all our talk about strategic design is a waste of breath.

[Rob Rigg]

If the 8th is a good hole then there is nothing wrong with every single narrow tree lined course in the world...

And all our talk about strategic design is a waste of breath.

This is a good way of putting it - I think the aesthetics give the hole some not so golf related value - a view of the Sound and the Olympics on a clear day is very cool - but what really matters is the strength of the hole on a stand alone basis - and it is very penal like Michael says.

[Scott_Burroughs]

I had missed this one the first time:

[Sean Leary]

I had missed this one the first time:

The back tees on the 9th are up and to the left of this picture...

[Norbert P]

If the 8th is a good hole then there is nothing wrong with every single narrow tree lined course in the world...

And all our talk about strategic design is a waste of breath.

  Nice post, Michael. Let's make it strategic.

 It's too bad that the driving range was mandated to be where it is because this hole could be an excellent one.

A hole as a conceptual model would be #1 at Buffalo Peak GC in Union, Oregon.  This hole rides the flank of a hill and then doglegs down severely as the upper fairway fades away. So, you can play for the top with an iron or go for the runway slope with a fairway metal or go for the green with a driver. At BufP the green is at the bottom of this slope but at ChaBay it could be lengthened since the place is set up for potential high caliber play.
We'd still get the views of the course but we'd have some interesting choices for the hole that don't exist now. 

 It would also make the 9th a better hole as the tees would have more room for variations of angles of attack.

 So, the two weakest holes are transformed into glorious shrines of strategic idealism.

  Pierce County. That'll be one million dollars, please.  My Cayman Island bank account is ready for your deposit.


    From the BP website . . .

TIPS ON PLAYING BUFFALO PEAK FROM THE BLUE TEES
HOLE #1 300 YARDS DOGLEG RIGHT PAR 4...HANDICAP 9

Sharp dogleg right. Aiming slightly left of the 150 yard black & white post with a fairway metal or hybrid will leave a short approach to this downhill green. Trouble over the green. There is a much bigger risk than there is reward for players who chose driver on this tee.

[Anthony Gray]

  Let's not overlook the fact that it adds a different challenge to the golfer than the preceeding holes. It is the first hole and possibly only where the lost ball or the impossible recovery comes into play. It is a difficult hole that has NO bunkers. Face it, it is unique but fair. Isn't that what we are crying out for. The Nicklaus and Fazio haters should embrace a hole like this. Just ask Tom Yost, the right side is intimidating. As far as the US Open is concernd it favors the straight hitter, not the player that usualy works the ball. Is there a straighter long hole in the world? I think we'll see some drama here at the US Open. Just look at that grin on Garland's face, it has to be a unique design.

  Anthony