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Chris Wirthwein

  • Karma: +0/-0
Seattle: Where to play?
« on: May 25, 2009, 01:59:43 PM »
I'm headed to Seattle and may have some time on 6/17 or 6/18 for a round. Suggestions? (The furthest west I've played is Prairie Dunes.) Any can't miss courses? What about Sahalee?

Kalen Braley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2009, 02:02:21 PM »
Chambers Bay,

Unless you need the course needs to be right in Seattle.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2009, 04:39:04 PM by Kalen Braley »

Chris Wirthwein

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Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2009, 02:04:56 PM »
Chambers Bay...how far from the Seattle Airport?

Mike Wagner

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Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2009, 03:13:54 PM »
Chris,

Chambers is about 30 minutes from SeaTac.  It is a MUST play if you only have one round here.  Funny you mention Sahalee - only because if you had to pick the best course most different from Chambers, it would be Sahalee.

Chambers is also the type of course you're goiing to want another crack at, so if you have time for 36, I highly recommend it.

The Home Course is also worth the time if you have it, and it's close to Chambers.

Jordan Wall

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2009, 04:43:18 PM »
Chris,

Chambers is about 30 minutes from SeaTac.  It is a MUST play if you only have one round here.  Funny you mention Sahalee - only because if you had to pick the best course most different from Chambers, it would be Sahalee.

Chambers is also the type of course you're goiing to want another crack at, so if you have time for 36, I highly recommend it.

The Home Course is also worth the time if you have it, and it's close to Chambers.


I like Seattle CC a lot more than Sahalee.  More diversity in the holes, not everything completely tree lined, no housing, and a lot less play.  It is also very different from Chambers.
Both are private though, and would require play with a member.  Unfortunately I'll be away during your visit and cannot help out with Seattle but it is a wonderful golf course rarely talked about.  They don't allow raters or much outside play as they like to keep it private as possible but I would strongly recommend it if you knew somebody.

Do note I'm generally the minority as far as Sahalee goes.  You'd probably like it.  I just feel like it is way too tight and the holes can get repetitive. 

Aldarra is a lot fun, although a brute, and is also private.

Chambers Bay is really your best bet.  It's not only public but the best course in the state.

The Home course had some unique holes but there are several courses I would play before it.

Stay away from Newcastle at all costs.  You might as well play the Seattle muni's instead.

My top courses within 40 minutes of Seattle:

1. Chambers Bay (public)
2. Seattle CC (private)
3. Aldarra (private)
4. Gold Mountain - Olympic (actually about an hour; ferry ride out of downtown and five minutes drive)
5. The Home Course (Public)
6. Sahalee (private)

IM me if you have any other questions and I'd be happy to help.

Cheers,
Jordan

Chris Wirthwein

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2009, 06:47:31 PM »
Kalen, Mike & Jordan -- Thanks for the good info. Chambers Bay and Seattle CC -- I'll see what I can put together. Kind of hard to pass up Chambers, but I like the sound of Seattle CC. I'll see if I can make some connections to make that happen

A question for Jordan: is it Seattle Golf Club? (or Country Club?) I checked out the web site for Seattle GC -- can't see much as a non-member -- looks historic and worth a try.

Jesse Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2009, 10:24:25 PM »


Chris,

I think CB is the one time play. Remember, Seattle GC gets very little play. If the weather is good, you can get there at 4pm and get a round in with sunlight to spare.
So if you can, play them both.




Pete_Pittock

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2009, 10:28:43 PM »
Chris,
I'd also say Chambers Bay. Depending on where you stay, traffic can be a serious issue if you try SGC at the wrong time.

Rob Rigg

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2009, 11:12:56 PM »
Chambers Bay during the summer - can't beat it.
You can play a parkland course in any city.
You can rarely play a links (even if it is manufactured) course on a large body of water with spectacular mountain views and a great layout.
Bump and Run!

Sandy Smith

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #9 on: May 26, 2009, 12:06:31 AM »
  I just have to say that I played Chambers Bay three weeks ago . By any standards the course was in such poor condition that it was really not worth playing at $119 . Or at $40.
Firm greens, firmer fairways.

Rob Rigg

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #10 on: May 26, 2009, 02:18:59 AM »
Sandy,

That is a pretty bold statement regarding Chambers - I thought it was trending in the right direction in terms of conditioning and the layout is a ton of fun with some outstanding holes.

Can you expand on what your issues were with the course?

When I played it about a month ago it was looking great. The Par 5 4th had been turned into a short Par 4 because work was occurring on the green - which was a bit of a bummer, but there were 17 other holes out there. Overall, the greens were pretty slow but consistent and it looked like they were coming along nicely.

The tee shots on #5 and #14 are all world, the 10th is a great links hole with dunes on both sides, #12 is a great driveable par 4, #7 is a wonderfully challenging long par 4 - the list goes on.


Jordan Wall

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #11 on: May 26, 2009, 02:23:54 AM »
Kalen, Mike & Jordan -- Thanks for the good info. Chambers Bay and Seattle CC -- I'll see what I can put together. Kind of hard to pass up Chambers, but I like the sound of Seattle CC. I'll see if I can make some connections to make that happen

A question for Jordan: is it Seattle Golf Club? (or Country Club?) I checked out the web site for Seattle GC -- can't see much as a non-member -- looks historic and worth a try.

Chris,

It's Seattle Golf and Country Club, and site I think says Seattle Golf Club.

I can't remember the guest password but if you'd like I'd be happy to send some pictures of the course.
My email is jordanlwall@yahoo.com

The course is fantastic and well worth a play.

Cheers,
Jordan

Garland Bayley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #12 on: May 26, 2009, 10:57:30 AM »
  I just have to say that I played Chambers Bay three weeks ago . By any standards the course was in such poor condition that it was really not worth playing at $119 . Or at $40.

What's wrong Sandy? Not wall to wall green?
"I enjoy a course where the challenges are contained WITHIN it, and recovery is part of the game  not a course where the challenge is to stay ON it." Jeff Warne

Mike Wagner

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2009, 02:14:05 PM »
Wow, Sandy....interesting comments.  I'm interested in specifically what you thought was wrong with the condition OTHER than the greens..

Richard Choi

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #14 on: May 26, 2009, 02:47:36 PM »
I have to second Robb on the puzzlement. I was there a month ago as well and the conditioning was coming along. I am also scheduled to play Thu.

If you are the kind of player who cannot stand slow greens, you may want to avoid Chambers Bay. But to call the conditioning poor is going a bit overboard.

Brad Wilbur

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #15 on: May 26, 2009, 08:14:54 PM »
Trophy Lake is close to Gold Mountain--------you could play both in a day.  As stated, it is a ferry ride from Seattle.  Trophy Lake also has fly fishing available-------rods are in the pro shop.

Chris Wirthwein

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #16 on: May 26, 2009, 10:16:17 PM »
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'm making my flight and lodging plans now. I'll let you know where I end up playing...and maybe some pics.

Rob Rigg

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #17 on: May 26, 2009, 11:01:09 PM »
Sandy,

Where are you Sandy?

We are looking for more on Chambers Sandy?

Please don't post and run Sandy, we just want to understand.

Brent Carlson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #18 on: May 26, 2009, 11:30:09 PM »
If you can't say something nice.........

I'll bite.  Played Chambers about a month ago with high expectations going in.  Overall the course is very raw being so new.  I did expect the course to be in much better shape (not green) but with decent turf.  Chambers played very slow and the greens were running about a 4.

The design was the most disappointing aspect however, especially after all the hype.  I was expecting a course similar to Whistling Straits, but after playing I feel the courses are not even close. 

Overall I think the course could be good in a few years.  It amazes me that the course was awarded an Open.  Believe me, living in the NW I want CB to be good, it is just a long way off.



Sandy Smith

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #19 on: May 27, 2009, 12:45:42 AM »
Hi Rob , I am not running away .
I  admit I caught CB on a very bad day . They were punching tees and fairways and failed to tell us and charged full rate . They did apologize and said we could return on the house .
I will say that the green speed is a issue . I have played in Scotland , Ireland and England and have never putted on such a slow surface. My friend was told by some one in management that the greens require " an aggressive stoke " . Sounds to me a company line for the uninformed . I truly hope that CB is a great success . But in my opinion it can not be compared to Bandon . 
To me Chambers Bay should should still be closed . Then they can get the turf in a condition that can stand up to the play and give the course a good chance to be fairly rated .
Firm greens, firmer fairways.

Rob Rigg

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #20 on: May 27, 2009, 12:56:47 AM »
Sandy,

Thanks for the response. Your frustration is clearly understandable. It takes a while to get used to the greens.

I recall the turf being in fine condition when I played. Most courses in the NW are punching this time of year so obviously that makes for a difficult round, but is not a reflection on the turf.

When you played, was the turf really in such bad condition that they should close the course, or did you mean that they should have kept it closed until it was more fully recovered from being punched?

I was planning on heading up again in a month or two with some friends from out of town, I hope the greens are a bit faster, but aside from that I really loved it (although it is tough to compare anything to Bandon).


Garland Bayley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #21 on: May 27, 2009, 11:35:53 AM »
Hi Rob , I am not running away .
I  admit I caught CB on a very bad day . They were punching tees and fairways and failed to tell us and charged full rate . They did apologize and said we could return on the house .
I will say that the green speed is a issue . I have played in Scotland , Ireland and England and have never putted on such a slow surface. My friend was told by some one in management that the greens require " an aggressive stoke " . Sounds to me a company line for the uninformed . I truly hope that CB is a great success . But in my opinion it can not be compared to Bandon . 
To me Chambers Bay should should still be closed . Then they can get the turf in a condition that can stand up to the play and give the course a good chance to be fairly rated .

Well, I hope if you get on Cypress point just after the greens have been punched, you make sure and get on here and say the course was in terrible condition, and not worth even $40 to play.

I hope you can see your original post was of the quality that we might see on a Merion thread, but not expected elsewhere on this board.
"I enjoy a course where the challenges are contained WITHIN it, and recovery is part of the game  not a course where the challenge is to stay ON it." Jeff Warne

Ben Sims

  • Karma: +1/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #22 on: May 27, 2009, 12:28:56 PM »
To me Chambers Bay should should still be closed . Then they can get the turf in a condition that can stand up to the play and give the course a good chance to be fairly rated .

Sandy,

I think I remember--back when I was a lurker--that many people thought Ballyneal opened a bit too prematurely.  Or more accurately, that it opened when the turf was still a bit raw and young.  Even so, I didn't hear many complaints about getting to play such a wonderful layout.  As such, I would say that I'd like to play Chambers if its grass looked like a short version of my granddad's cow pasture, just to say I played an Open layout before Tiger, to see what RTJII could do with a former gravel pit, and to see why Golfweek ranked it is one of the top 3 muni's in the country.

Jed Peters

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #23 on: May 27, 2009, 12:34:46 PM »

Well, I hope if you get on Cypress point just after the greens have been punched, you make sure and get on here and say the course was in terrible condition, and not worth even $40 to play.

I hope you can see your original post was of the quality that we might see on a Merion thread, but not expected elsewhere on this board.


I played CPC not long after it was punched, and can say that the greens were fine.

:)

Michael Dugger

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Seattle: Where to play?
« Reply #24 on: May 27, 2009, 01:55:05 PM »
Face the facts, ladies and gentlemen, getting grass to grow on that site is proving to be difficult.

It's been almost two years since we had our gathering out there. Two years.

In that span of time a course like Wine Valley has gone from nothing to a course with wonderful firm turf and greens rolling at 10+

This is not a knock on the crew or any of the folks at CB, it's simply becoming very obvious that they've got challenges.
What does it matter if the poor player can putt all the way from tee to green, provided that he has to zigzag so frequently that he takes six or seven putts to reach it?     --Alistair Mackenzie--

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