[Scott Weersing]

It sounds like they grew up the rough this year at Chambers Bay. Does anyone have any photos before they cut the rough down?

Also, it seems that they want to make no. 7 a little more fair by changing the green.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/2011-07-07-1193424296_x.htm

Other changes: "Most of the other changes have to do with the shaping of specific holes. Some of it will be done with the addition of tees, others by removing rough from one side of the fairway and bringing it in on the other. The reshaping of some holes will bring more hazards into play and remove potential bail out areas. The final piece of work is all related to the Open itself with the addition of paths and walkways and the flattening of some of the dunes to make the course safer for spectators."

I think they will modify the dunes around no. 10.

Fortunately they are not going to hire Rees to come in and improve the course

[Jerry Kluger]

When are they going to start on a clubhouse?

[PCCraig]

Interesting that they grew up rough this year. When I was there in late March there wasn't much rough to speak of, and if the course gets as F&F as it was for the 2010 US Am I think the Pro's will have all they can handle.

The 7th green is pretty darn severe there in the front, but then again it can't be more than a driver 8-iron for most of the professionals?


I have no idea why this was needed... 
"Fortunately they are not going to hire Rees to come in and improve the course"

[Sean Leary]

When are they going to start on a clubhouse?

As soon as you donate the money for the "Jerry Kluger Memorial Clubhouse" 

I am guessing that the money isn't availiable yet.

[Jason Mandel]

The 7th green is pretty darn severe there in the front, but then again it can't be more than a driver 8-iron for most of the professionals?


I have no idea why this was needed... 
"Fortunately they are not going to hire Rees to come in and improve the course"

Pat,
I caddied for my brother in the Amateur last year at Chambers. the 7th definitely needs to be reshaped, at least in the back of the green. The problem with the current green is there really is nowhere to miss.  Miss long and you're looking at a crazy scary putt back, miss short and you're 60 yards down the hill. Anything on the left side of the green comes all the way back, its really a scary scary green especially when the greens are running 12, which they were at the Amateur and will be at the Open.

I also think something needs to be down with the 1st green. Anyone that was out there for the Amateur knows what a train wreck that 1st green became during the stroke play portion.

Other then that I really wouldn't make too many changes to the course. It's a fantastic place that I think will really challenge the guys in the Open. A much better course then Erin Hills in my opinion.

Jason

[Dale Jackson]

I also think something needs to be down with the 1st green. Anyone that was out there for the Amateur knows what a train wreck that 1st green became during the stroke play portion.

Jason, I was at the tournament as well and saw also first hand some of the problems.  My observation about #1 is that it was not necessarily the green that was the problem but the approach.  A ball landing on the green could not stick but landing short threw everything to the left and down the hill.  I think if the approach is levelled somewhat the hole would be fair - still hard but fair.

I had a chance to chat with RTJ jr at the host hotel and it seemed clear his firm knew there would be problems with three holes 1, 7 and ?? (on the back I believe) before the tournament began.  I am a little surprised work has not already started to address the issues.

[Brent Carlson]

It sounds like they grew up the rough this year at Chambers Bay. Does anyone have any photos before they cut the rough down?
No pics of the rough, however it was thick.  U.S. Open rough for sure, but too much for everyday play.  It has since been cut down to light rough.


Also, it seems that they want to make no. 7 a little more fair by changing the green.

While 7 green is undulating, it is surprising how many short birdie putts I've had when the pin is on the right side.  Also, the miss is right.  From there you have an uphill pitch / chip and your chance of making a four is good.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/2011-07-07-1193424296_x.htm

Other changes: "Most of the other changes have to do with the shaping of specific holes. Some of it will be done with the addition of tees, others by removing rough from one side of the fairway and bringing it in on the other. The reshaping of some holes will bring more hazards into play and remove potential bail out areas. The final piece of work is all related to the Open itself with the addition of paths and walkways and the flattening of some of the dunes to make the course safer for spectators."

I'm interested in what bail out areas are being removed.  There are not that many to be honest, and the majority of the time this course will be played by the public, not the pros.  It will be a stern test for the Open, even as is.

I think they will modify the dunes around no. 10.

The course is really playing nice.  If you have not played CB in a while you owe it to yourself.


Fortunately they are not going to hire Rees to come in and improve the course

[Scott Weersing]

I always thought the ninth hole would be better without an elevated tee. And so there are going to build another tee box down to the right.


From Golfweek:

"The ninth is one of several holes that will undergo architectural changes beginning later this year.

In the U.S. Open, the hole will play its full length only when a back-right hole location is used, Davis said. A new tee will be built for the hole, which plays downhill across a deep valley. The new tee, which will play about 175 yards, will be right of and below the current one, causing the hole to play either level or slightly uphill.


And some much needed changes to the first hole:

"The area short and right of the first green, where approach shots are supposed to land, will be softened to keep shots from rolling across the green and down a large swale left of the green. The basin left of the green, intended to catch shots that barely roll through the green, will be deepened to prevent shots that trickle off the green from rolling all the way down the hill and as far as 70 yards from the green.

Also, a new tee on the first hole will allow the hole to play as a short par 5. It currently is a par 4. The 18th hole was switched between a par 4 and par 5 at the Amateur, though Davis said he’s unsure if he’ll do the same at the Open. A pot bunker will be placed in the middle of the 18th fairway, about 100 yards from the green, to make the layup more difficult.

Modifications to the uphill, par-4 seventh will soften the slope in front of the green, keeping balls from rolling down the hill fronting the green. Davis said some approach shots that landed short of the green rolled 170 yards from the putting surface. The green will be lowered and deepened to make it more accepting to approach shots. The green at the 13th also will be deepened, as it will play as a par 4 for championship play (it is a par 5 for daily play).

A new tee will extend the 521-yard, par-4 14th hole about 20 yards to bring the bunker left of the fairway into play. The hole plays extremely downhill and doglegs left around the bunker.

Also, Davis has decided that the secondary green on the par-4 fifth, which allows the downhill hole to play as a drivable par 4, will not be used in the U.S. Open. It will play as a 490-yard par 4 instead. "

http://www.golfweek.com/news/2011/aug/21/erin-hills-chambers-bay-give-usga-advance-look/

I guess the USGA will be providing the money to make these changes.

[Scott Weersing]

Has anyone seen the new tee box on no. 9?

"Davis also added a new tee on the over-the-cliff par-3 ninth. The new tee is near the old practice area and will provide the option to play a rather level, 185-yard shot into the north side of the green."

http://www.cybergolf.com/golf_news/chambers_bay_still_firmly_in_sights_of_usga

I always thought the ninth hole would be better without an elevated tee. And so there are going to build another tee box down to the right.


From Golfweek:

"The ninth is one of several holes that will undergo architectural changes beginning later this year.

In the U.S. Open, the hole will play its full length only when a back-right hole location is used, Davis said. A new tee will be built for the hole, which plays downhill across a deep valley. The new tee, which will play about 175 yards, will be right of and below the current one, causing the hole to play either level or slightly uphill.


And some much needed changes to the first hole:

"The area short and right of the first green, where approach shots are supposed to land, will be softened to keep shots from rolling across the green and down a large swale left of the green. The basin left of the green, intended to catch shots that barely roll through the green, will be deepened to prevent shots that trickle off the green from rolling all the way down the hill and as far as 70 yards from the green.

Also, a new tee on the first hole will allow the hole to play as a short par 5. It currently is a par 4. The 18th hole was switched between a par 4 and par 5 at the Amateur, though Davis said he’s unsure if he’ll do the same at the Open. A pot bunker will be placed in the middle of the 18th fairway, about 100 yards from the green, to make the layup more difficult.

Modifications to the uphill, par-4 seventh will soften the slope in front of the green, keeping balls from rolling down the hill fronting the green. Davis said some approach shots that landed short of the green rolled 170 yards from the putting surface. The green will be lowered and deepened to make it more accepting to approach shots. The green at the 13th also will be deepened, as it will play as a par 4 for championship play (it is a par 5 for daily play).

A new tee will extend the 521-yard, par-4 14th hole about 20 yards to bring the bunker left of the fairway into play. The hole plays extremely downhill and doglegs left around the bunker.

Also, Davis has decided that the secondary green on the par-4 fifth, which allows the downhill hole to play as a drivable par 4, will not be used in the U.S. Open. It will play as a 490-yard par 4 instead. "

http://www.golfweek.com/news/2011/aug/21/erin-hills-chambers-bay-give-usga-advance-look/

I guess the USGA will be providing the money to make these changes.

[PCCraig]

Has anyone seen the new tee box on no. 9?

"Davis also added a new tee on the over-the-cliff par-3 ninth. The new tee is near the old practice area and will provide the option to play a rather level, 185-yard shot into the north side of the green."

That sounds awfully boring. As much as purists roll their eyes at modern "drop shot" par-3's...that is a pretty terrific example and the view from that tee is incredible. Plus, gauging the distance from that tee would have to be far more difficult for a pro than a flat 185 yard shot (what is that...an 7 or 8-iron for them?).

[Eric Johnson]

185 is the distance from the front pod of the new tee.

[Matthew Essig]

Has anyone seen the new tee box on no. 9?

"Davis also added a new tee on the over-the-cliff par-3 ninth. The new tee is near the old practice area and will provide the option to play a rather level, 185-yard shot into the north side of the green."

That sounds awfully boring. As much as purists roll their eyes at modern "drop shot" par-3's...that is a pretty terrific example and the view from that tee is incredible. Plus, gauging the distance from that tee would have to be far more difficult for a pro than a flat 185 yard shot (what is that...an 7 or 8-iron for them?).

It sound awfully BORING but it was a SMART thing to do because

#1 more people around the tee and hole
#2 changes the angle of play by about 70-80 degrees, making the pros think more
#3 with how firm and fast the green will be, it needed a tee box down there


As a side note, when my father played there last week, the starter mentioned there is a new 600+ yard tee box on 1.... Sounds like it will play as a par 72 during the US Open with only holes 13 flipping to a par 4 and 1 flipping to a par 5.

[Richard Choi]

Brent Carlson and I have played from where the new tees will be going in.

It dramatically changes the nature of the hole (from a drop shot par 3 to an uphill par 3). The view of the bunkers is very intimidating (it will be all carry from the tee to green). The hole is visually stunning from that angle and it brings whole slew of different strategies to the hole.

I have not seen any work are over there yet. I suspect they will open it some time next year.

[Carl Nichols]

Brent Carlson and I have played from where the new tees will be going in.

It dramatically changes the nature of the hole (from a drop shot par 3 to an uphill par 3). The view of the bunkers is very intimidating (it will be all carry from the tee to green). The hole is visually stunning from that angle and it brings whole slew of different strategies to the hole.

I have not seen any work are over there yet. I suspect they will open it some time next year.

Richard:
If you are standing on the current elevated tee, is the new tee down and to the right, so it's kind of below the 8th green? 

[Matthew Essig]

Brent Carlson and I have played from where the new tees will be going in.

It dramatically changes the nature of the hole (from a drop shot par 3 to an uphill par 3). The view of the bunkers is very intimidating (it will be all carry from the tee to green). The hole is visually stunning from that angle and it brings whole slew of different strategies to the hole.

I have not seen any work are over there yet. I suspect they will open it some time next year.

Richard:
If you are standing on the current elevated tee, is the new tee down and to the right, so it's kind of below the 8th green? 

There is a path just to the right of the 8th green

[Matthew Essig]

"Fun" Fact: Since the course opened, 2, 12, and 16 are the only holes without noticeable changes.

[Garland Bayley]

Brent Carlson and I have played from where the new tees will be going in.

It dramatically changes the nature of the hole (from a drop shot par 3 to an uphill par 3). The view of the bunkers is very intimidating (it will be all carry from the tee to green). The hole is visually stunning from that angle and it brings whole slew of different strategies to the hole.

I have not seen any work are over there yet. I suspect they will open it some time next year.

Does it not make the green slope into the shot there, whereas, from the original tees there is slope away to the right?

[Garland Bayley]

It sound awfully BORING but it was a SMART thing to do because

#1 more people around the tee and hole
#2 changes the angle of play by about 70-80 degrees, making the pros think more
#3 with how firm and fast the green will be, it needed a tee box down there
...

Please explain. Why would taking a viewing position behind 8 green and original 9 tee not be the best seat in the house?
How can it possibly make the pros think more? They now have a more well defined length into a green sloping some towards them, with perhaps a short iron in their hands. I don't remember anyone complaining about a green speed problem on 9 during the amateur, why is it going to be a problem for the open?

[Sean Leary]

"Fun" Fact: Since the course opened, 2, 12, and 16 are the only holes without noticeable changes.

Including tees I presume?

Like the new tee on 9. Now if we can just blow up 8 we will have one hell of a golf course.

[Aidan Bradley]

I originally photographed CB in May of 2007. Is this the path below #8 you are talking about?

Aidan.

[Garland Bayley]

I originally photographed CB in May of 2007. Is this the path below #8 you are talking about?

Aidan.

That's the maintenance road that has always been there, and site of one of my greatest golf shots ever.

I closed out Anthony Gray by getting up and down for par with my ball resting in the low space between the two tire tracks that built up sand on either side of the ball. Had to blast through a sand pile to pitch the ball cleanly onto the green for the one putt par.

[Scott Weersing]

I think the new no. 9 tee makes the course more of a links course than an elevated tee. I thought the course had a good flow but that the no. 9 tee took away from the links feel of the course. Yes, I know, no. 5 has an elevated tee also, but I can't think of too many links courses with an elevated par 3 tee.

I wonder if the retail golfers, ones who do not read this site, would prefer an elevated tee with a great view, or they really don't care.

I agree the new tee will make all golfers think more.

Has anyone seen the new tee box on no. 9?

"Davis also added a new tee on the over-the-cliff par-3 ninth. The new tee is near the old practice area and will provide the option to play a rather level, 185-yard shot into the north side of the green."

That sounds awfully boring. As much as purists roll their eyes at modern "drop shot" par-3's...that is a pretty terrific example and the view from that tee is incredible. Plus, gauging the distance from that tee would have to be far more difficult for a pro than a flat 185 yard shot (what is that...an 7 or 8-iron for them?).

It sound awfully BORING but it was a SMART thing to do because

#1 more people around the tee and hole
#2 changes the angle of play by about 70-80 degrees, making the pros think more
#3 with how firm and fast the green will be, it needed a tee box down there


As a side note, when my father played there last week, the starter mentioned there is a new 600+ yard tee box on 1.... Sounds like it will play as a par 72 during the US Open with only holes 13 flipping to a par 4 and 1 flipping to a par 5.

[Garland Bayley]

I think the new no. 9 tee makes the course more of a links course than an elevated tee. I thought the course had a good flow but that the no. 9 tee took away from the links feel of the course. Yes, I know, no. 5 has an elevated tee also, but I can't think of too many links courses with an elevated par 3 tee.

...

Let's redesign 9 and 10 at Pac Dunes, or at least eliminate the upper fairway option. Can't have no elevated tee par 3 on a links course. 

[Matthew Essig]

"Fun" Fact: Since the course opened, 2, 12, and 16 are the only holes without noticeable changes.

Including tees I presume?

Like the new tee on 9. Now if we can just blow up 8 we will have one hell of a golf course.

I completely agree. http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,52695

[Richard Choi]

"Fun" Fact: Since the course opened, 2, 12, and 16 are the only holes without noticeable changes.

Including tees I presume?

Like the new tee on 9. Now if we can just blow up 8 we will have one hell of a golf course.

I completely agree. http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,52695

Over my dead body.

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