[Matthew Sander]

Hello all...

I was recently organizing some old photos and came across pics from a summer golf trip to Seattle. I was there in June of '08 while I was a mere lurker. It was late June and the weather was glorious (as you'll see in the pics which are from 3 consecutive days). The course lineup consisted of Chambers Bay, TPC Snoqualmie Ridge, Trilogy at Redmond Ridge (no pics), and White Horse Golf Club.

First up is Chambers Bay. CB has been discussed in depth here so I'm not going to go into thorough hole descriptions; just some tidbits that I found interesting. When we played, the course was fairly young and some areas were still growing in. Also, I believe some of the holes have been modified and more definitive primary rough has been grown. I felt the width was one of the most appealing aspects of CB, but I'm sure the USGA wanted more definition and tighter fairways for its championships.


The following two photos are views from the parking area near the Pro Shop. I have never witnessed a similar scene at a golf course. The entire course is visible from this perch and it seems to be miles below...





The par 4 2nd hole from the fairway



Tee shot at the par 3 3rd



The tee shot at the uphill par 5 4th



The 5th was one of my favorite holes. One of the widest drives you'll ever see, and the strategy is dictated entirely by the little front bunker and the pin position. Unfortunately, they've brought in the rough on the right side (I believe) which restricts the line of charm to the right hand pin position.



The mound in the fairway on the approach to the long par 4 7th



The drop shot par 3 9th



Another of my favorite holes at CB. A driveable par 4 with a roller coaster green. The main criticism of the hole is the layup area is too narrow which limits the decision making. I think that criticism has some merit but I still found the hole interesting and more importantly, fun.



Another long view across the course



The cape style par 4 14th. The long par 4 plays downhill and in this photo there was a center line bunker to influence your tee shot decisions. However, the current hole diagram on their website doesn't show the bunker. For those of you in the know, is the bunker still there?



The beautiful downhill par 3 15th.



A look back at the par 4 16th that runs parallel to the tracks and the beach



I'll add photos from the other courses in following posts...

[Garland Bayley]

Chamber of Commerce Day at Chambers Bay. Pebble Beach, eat your heart out.

[Matthew Sander]

Garland,

No doubt about it. Locals were saying that 6 straight weeks of rain had let up in the previous week. We had exactly 80 degrees, with no humidity. Despite all of the rain, the turf at Chambers and White Horse was incredibly firm...

[Matthew Sander]

Next up is TPC Snoqualmie Ridge which is a Nicklaus signature course. I wasn't able to find much discussion about the course on GCA, but here is a link to one previous thread http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,33963.0.html . I agree with Terry Lavin that the setting and vistas probably overshadow the golf holes, but I found the course to be quite playable. Again, this was nearly three years ago so my recollection of details is a bit foggy. I do remember that the terrain lent itself to some rollicking downhillers while the uphill climbs were traversed more with green to tee treks rather than golf holes. Here are some pics...



Somewhat ordinary hole, but an extraordinary view...









The 448 yard (from back tees) par 4 is actually reachable. It plays far more downhill than the photo suggests, and you have the option of playing way out to the right around the ravine which is where the hole's yardage comes from.

[Matthew Sander]

Lastly, here are the photos from White Horse Golf Club. White Horse was designed by Pete Dye's niece, Cynthia Dye McGarey. It lies northwest of Seattle across Puget Sound and is accessible by ferry. It seems to be a pretty remote area and was a part of a newly developed residential community which was in its very early stages when we were there so few houses were visible from the course. The forests surrounding the course were very thick and provided many lost ball opportunities. I found the course difficult as the well defended greens deflected mediocre approaches into awkward recovery positions. The turf was excellent; firm and fast which may have been somewhat attributed to the newness of the course. Nevertheless, it was an outstanding playing surface. I'm curious to hear if any of our Seattle GCAers have anything to say as I remember reading somewhere that White Horse was slipping into financial difficulties...











The 18th suffers a similar affliction as many final holes I've played. On its own it is a strong hole, but with the water down the entire left side it seems out of character with the rest of the course...

[Brent Carlson]

Matthew - great pics.

White Horse - Have not played it yet.  I've been told that it is very challenging due to its width.  Later this year I hope to make it across the water.  One interesting point - it was designed by Cynthia Dye, niece of Pete.  Any thoughts on her work?

Chambers looks great in those pics.  The course is even in better shape now, with really true greens.  I would like to see the fairway width return to pre US Am dimensions. 

[Matthew Sander]

Brent,

In regards to White Horse, I think what you've heard is accurate. The thick surrounds are nearly impenetrable and you have to drive your ball. As I recall, I was actually accurate that day off the tee, but my iron game was off. I found that many of the slopes around greens really deflected balls into difficult situations magnified by the firmness of the ground and greens. Also, many of the greens are oriented at an angle to the line of play which is a surefire way to make approaches exacting and difficult. If I'm not mistaken though, once on the green, you're not going to find many severe contours. The course was in outstanding condition with firm turf and nice texturing with their fescues.

Regarding Cynthia Dye McGarey's work, I enjoyed the course which seemed to be on a challenging site. Again, extremely thick woodlands that must have been challenging to maximize playability. You do see some Dye family influence in some of the aesthetics such as several of the strip bunkers that Pete Dye uses often. You'll see several of them in the pics above. However, if I recall correctly, you don't see as many partially blind approaches that Pete often uses. In my experiences on his courses, much of the strategy has to do with visual trickery which isn't as prevalent here. As I stated before, she used angles as a big part of the course's defense. Both in terms of green orientation and tee shot carry decisions. Several of the tee shots shown above show angled carry bunkers or waste areas on the tee shot.

As for Chambers I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the mowing lines. Some of the strategic interest (and playability for many) must have been lost by the narrowing of fairways. 

[Justin Harvey]

In regards to White Horse. I played there in march of last year and left thinking that the course design and conditions were very tough. Escpecially around the greens. The greens were extremely firm, and many of the greens seemed to be elevated in a sort of plateau design with 4-5 foot drop offs into grass bunkers. For example, the first hole in Matthew's White Horse pictures is the Par 3 4th plays from 174-216. This green was almost impossible to hold and the back was a tightly mown runoff down about 40 feet. The conditions really didn't reward good shots and really actually could punish you. I was reluctant to go back because it was so hard and really punished shots that weren't perfect. Well since then the course went bankrupt and was bought by a local Indian tribe. I was glad to see that one of there first goals was to soften the conditions of the greens and fairways. I'm am anxious to go back and see the improvements.

[Mark Saltzman]

Matt,

Your photos of CB inspired me to add a two-day side-trip to Seattle to my planned golf trip this summer.  Thanks!

Anyone know if the drive from Coeur D'Alene to Seattle (about 5 hours according to Google Maps) is interesting or am I better off taking the $80, 1hr flight?

Mark

[Garland Bayley]

Matt,

Your photos of CB inspired me to add a two-day side-trip to Seattle to my planned golf trip this summer.  Thanks!

Anyone know if the drive from Coeur D'Alene to Seattle (about 5 hours according to Google Maps) is interesting or am I better off taking the $80, 1hr flight?

Mark

What would make it interesting for you? Scenery? Wine? Golf?
From Coeur D'Alene head directly to Wine Valley in Walla Walla and play some golf.
Then hit a Walla Walla winery or two, head through the Yakima Valley on I-82 and try some more wine.
Finally crest the mighty Cascade Range on I-90 on the way into the Puget Sound area.

[Kalen Braley]

Matt,

Your photos of CB inspired me to add a two-day side-trip to Seattle to my planned golf trip this summer.  Thanks!

Anyone know if the drive from Coeur D'Alene to Seattle (about 5 hours according to Google Maps) is interesting or am I better off taking the $80, 1hr flight?

Mark

Mark,

By the time you take the 45 min drive from CDA to Spokane International, park the car, wait for the plane (assuming u get there 1 hr early), take the flight, and exit the airport in Seattle with a rental, its almost a wash.

I would also concur with Garland, Wine Valley really is a must see if you're already in the CDA area.

[Pat Howard]

I'd take the flight, the drive is very boring! And the route Garland suggested is great for wine, but will make the trip about 8 hours total...

[Kalen Braley]

I'd take the flight, the drive is very boring! And the route Garland suggested is great for wine, but will make the trip about 8 hours total...

But its not just about the wine.

Its about not missing out on one of the best courses in the entire region.

Let me put it a different way.  Wine Valley, In My Opinion of course, is the better course compared to anything in the Spokane/CDA area and that includes Gozzer Ranch, Circling Raven, Black Rock, Idaho Club, and Palouse Ridge.

[Mark Saltzman]

Kalen,

that is quite a pronouncement.  It seems to be a 3+ hour drive from Coeur D'Alene so I had planned to leave it out.  If it really is that good, I may have to cut out something from CDA and include it, but it will be a very long day.  Thank you for the information.

Not to thread-jack, but in what order would you rate the courses in the CDA region?  I was planning on playing Black Rock, Idaho, Circling Raven, Palouse (and hoping to play Gozzer, but access may be an issue for me) and maybe CDA Resort, but reviews on this site are less than glowing.

Thanks again.

[Pat Howard]

Agreed, Wine Valley is very good. I haven't played the other courses you list there so I can't compare, but if I'm trying to get to Seattle from Spokane/CDA area, there's no way I'm driving down to Walla Walla on my way!

Now, if he said he was looking for great courses to play and extending his drive out over a few days, then sure!

[Garland Bayley]

Never put Palouse Ridge ahead of Wine Valley!

Perhaps the only one on this site that won't back me up on that is the super at Palouse Ridge.

[Garland Bayley]

Agreed, Wine Valley is very good. I haven't played the other courses you list there so I can't compare, but if I'm trying to get to Seattle from Spokane/CDA area, there's no way I'm driving down to Walla Walla on my way!

Now, if he said he was looking for great courses to play and extending his drive out over a few days, then sure!

Pat,

But, you're a young buck that can sleep past 5 a.m. Us old geezers might as well get dressed after the 2nd potty break and be on the road by then.

[Kalen Braley]

Kalen,

that is quite a pronouncement.  It seems to be a 3+ hour drive from Coeur D'Alene so I had planned to leave it out.  If it really is that good, I may have to cut out something from CDA and include it, but it will be a very long day.  Thank you for the information.

Not to thread-jack, but in what order would you rate the courses in the CDA region?  I was planning on playing Black Rock, Idaho, Circling Raven, Palouse (and hoping to play Gozzer, but access may be an issue for me) and maybe CDA Resort, but reviews on this site are less than glowing.

Thanks again.

Mark,

I've played all of those listed, and I would rank them like this:

1) WV
2) Gozzer Ranch
3) Black Rock
4) Idaho Club
5) Circling Raven
6) Palouse Ridge
6) The Resort

Gozzer is very very good, and some may rate it higher than WV on personal preference.  WV plays "linksy" which is my personal preference over the "parkland style" Gozzer course.

The Resort is 2nd to none in conditioning, service, and is a fun experience with the floating green and awesome views.  But as a "serious" golf course, its nothing special.

[Mark Saltzman]

Garland,

I'm 25.  I'm not sure I should be included in the "old geezer" category.  That being said, I have no problem being up and on the road at 5 a.m. to play a great golf course (or, well, pretty much golf anywhere).

Mark

[Kalen Braley]

Mark it probably comes down to this.

If you're planning on being in the area again in the next couple of years, then sure maybe you could justify skipping it because you know you will be coming back.

But if you don't know when or where you'll ever get back, I wouldn't skip it, no way, no how! 

[Mark Saltzman]

Thanks again, Kalen.

I have no immediate plans to be back so I guess I am going to have to find a way to fit it in!  If I'm on the road by 5, I'll be there by 830.  Plenty of time to play 36 and be back in CDA before dark.

[Kalen Braley]

Thanks again, Kalen.

I have no immediate plans to be back so I guess I am going to have to find a way to fit it in!  If I'm on the road by 5, I'll be there by 830.  Plenty of time to play 36 and be back in CDA before dark.

My buddy and I just did this trip 2 months ago.  We made it in 2.5 hrs easily!!

And we kept within 10 over the speed limit for about 85% of the journey! 

[Matthew Sander]

Mark,

Glad to hear my 3 year old photos are going to have a positive influence on our travel industry

Justin,

I think I share some of your thoughts of Wild Horse. It did play quite difficult when we were there. The firmness of the greens was amplified by the lack of open approaches. I think most greens required an aerial approach rather than an avenue for landing short. With many of the greens angled to the hole, holding an approach on the rock hard surfaces was possible only on a perfectly executed shot. I probably chalked it up to the newness of the course, but your recollections and the new ownership's desire to soften it somewhat seem to point to conditions that may have been over the top. I actually remember my first impression of the course was that it would be a good track for really good players, primarily excellent ball-strikers...I'd love to hear your thoughts if you make it back out there this season...

[Bill_McBride]

Why no mention of Indian Canyon in the Coeur d'Alene-Spokane-Pullman-Walla Walla itinerary?

[Pat Howard]

Why no mention of Indian Canyon in the Coeur d'Alene-Spokane-Pullman-Walla Walla itinerary?

I was thinking of this yesterday as I was the only one who said "Take the flight!", but I got sidetracked by the Wine Valley route. Play Indian Canyon on your way out of Spokane to the airport. Great course, I believe Kalen posted some pics on here of it a year or two ago.

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