USPGA: Whistling Straits vs Chambers Bay
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We look at how the US PGA’s Whistling Straits and the USGA’s Chambers Bay stack up against each other as courses and venues for a major championship.
Whistling Straits |
Chambers Bay |
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Great lake views (from 14 holes) and a nice place to visit, for sure. But it’s not the easiest place for players or fans to reach. |
Location |
Even better water views (every hole) and much easier to get to – only 40 miles to Seattle – so big local markets to tap into. |
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Pete Dye fans will love it. With a reported 967 bunkers, the design is a little unconventional, but there is a lot of variety, many exciting shots, and some wonderful lake holes. |
Design |
With limitless cash and acres of sand, you’d expect all 18 holes to be superb. But Chambers has a couple of bland holes. The best holes (6th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 16th) are truly great though. |
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Bentgrass greens allow players to fire at pins. Although the setting is different, the course plays like a typical PGA Tour stop. The wind factor – and of course the bunkers – add to the challenge. |
Challenge |
Less windy, but plays more like a genuine links with firm fairways and greens, so players must consider what happens to the ball after it lands. Severe contouring on huge greens adds to the test. |
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Generally good. All holes are visible and, though a tough walk in places, spectators are able to follow their favourite player all the way around. |
Fan experience |
Loses significant marks here. A handful of holes are all but invisible to fans. Long lines for grandstand seats. Long walk on fine sand is very demanding. |
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A 560-acre site with several Kohler-owned fields surrounding the course which are able to be used for parking. Getting to and from the course, and parking, are therefore pretty easy. |
Infrastructure |
Part of the 932-acre Chambers Creek Properties. Access is a little awkward, but there is plenty of space for the range, media, merchandise, concessions, Spectator Square and so on. |
