Hole 1 at Chambers Bay Golf Course
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 498 yds
- Stroke index
- 7
- Hazards
- 8 bunkers
Hole 1 map
39 yd wide × 46 yd deep · 5.3 ft total elevation range
Light = gentler slope · Red = steeper slope
White lines: 1 foot of elevation. Arrows: downhill. General terrain, not a pin read.
Approach from bottom
Contour source
USGS 1 Meter 10 x53y523 WA_PierceCounty_2020_A20 · collection 2020
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 498 yards
The plan for No. 1
The 1st at Chambers Bay Golf Course is a 498.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on maximizing distance while maintaining accuracy for the lengthy approach ahead. Driver is the logical choice for most players, as you'll need every yard available to set up a manageable second shot. Aim for the center of the fairway to ensure the best angle and lie for your approach. The straight layout removes directional guesswork, allowing you to focus purely on solid contact and distance. Avoid the temptation to overswing - a smooth, controlled driver swing will serve you better than an aggressive cut that finds trouble or leaves you with an awkward lie.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. Even after a good drive, you're likely facing a mid to long iron into a small green - never an easy proposition. Club selection becomes critical; take enough club to comfortably reach the green rather than forcing a shot that comes up short. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small target demands conservative targeting. The compact green size means there's little room for error, making accuracy more important than trying to attack specific pin positions.
On the green
With a small green, putting becomes about precision and speed control rather than reading dramatic breaks. Focus on lag putting from longer distances, as three-putting from the back of a small green is a common scoring mistake. The green's size works in your favor for shorter putts - there simply isn't room for severely undulating terrain. Pay attention to the overall slope and grain direction, and remember that firm, fast conditions can make this small target particularly challenging to hold.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 10,622 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Chambers Bay Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Chambers Bay Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
Can We Make Major Cut @ Chambers Bay?! (2015 US Open)
The Major Cut @ Chambers Bay
Breaking Chambers Bay: 3 Golfers. 3 Goals.
The Challenge of Links Conditions in the Pacific Northwest | All Grass Is Local at Chambers Bay
Stay out of the dunes at Chambers Bay #golfshorts
How did Hole 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 498 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 498-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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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?
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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?
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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.