Hole 1 at Chambers Bay Golf Course

Par 4 • 498 Yards • University Place, Washington

Enhanced Content

Brutal

The opening hole at Chambers Bay Golf Course sets an imposing tone for one of America's most dramatic championship venues. This demanding 498-yard par 4 stretches along the Puget Sound shoreline, where Pacific Northwest winds can dramatically alter club selection and strategy. The straight layout may appear straightforward, but the combination of length and Chambers Bay's signature fescue rough demands precision from the opening tee shot. Players must navigate to a small, well-protected green complex that epitomizes the course's links-style character. With its stunning backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and challenging approach requirements, this opening hole immediately announces the world-class test that awaits on this former U.S. Open venue.

Tees:

498y491y465y436y381y

Green:54y × 34y

Fairway @250y:36y wide

8 Bunkers dogleg

Loading map...

Chambers Bay Golf Course

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Play This Course at Home

Practice Chambers Bay Golf Course Year-Round

Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.

Browse Launch Monitors & Simulators

Amazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 498 yds
Green: 10622 sq ft
Bunkers: 8
Course Slope: 142
Course Rating: 76.8

Navigate

Hole 2

Par 4 • 404y

Back to Chambers Bay Golf Course View Full Scorecard

Recommended Gear

Bunkers everywhere — a versatile wedge is your scoring club on this hole.

Shop Wedges →

Strategy Tips

tee shot

With the fairway maintaining a consistent 36-yard width at both 200 and 250 yards, focus on accuracy over distance. A controlled 220-240 yard drive will leave you in perfect position without risking trouble.

approach

At 498 yards, this long par-4 will likely require a mid-to-long iron approach. The generous green size of 10,622 square feet gives you room for error, so prioritize hitting the putting surface over pin-hunting.

hazard warning

Be aware of bunkers positioned at 508.7 yards - well beyond the green on this 498-yard hole. While not in play for most approach shots, they could catch errant long shots or affect strategy if playing from forward tees.

green

The green's rectangular shape (54 yards long by 34 yards wide) means club selection is crucial. With significant depth, focus on getting your distance control right rather than worrying about left-right positioning.

train this shot at home

This 498-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

See launch monitors & simulators

Scoring Tip

With bunkers guarding the green, pick the side with the most room and let the slope feed the ball toward the pin.

Play Chambers Bay Golf Course from Your Living Room

Launch monitors and simulators now include real course data. Practice your strategy on every hole before your round — or just for fun.

Compare Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 498-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 1?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, large green requiring good lag putting.

How big is the green on hole 1?

The green is large and can play quite long. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 1?

This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.

Can I practice hole 1 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Chambers Bay Golf Course. You can play this exact 498-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →