Chambers Bay promises to be a U.S. Open like no other in history

You have certainly heard all the buzz leading up to the United States Open June 18-21 at Chambers Bay. There has been no lack of storylines as the tournament gets closer and closer. It’s the first U.S. Open in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the first U.S.Open to be played on fine fescue. It’s the first U.S. Open with a train track running right next to the golf course.

But there are other things to know about this year’s tournament if you are heading that way:

• The par for the tournament will be par-70 like other U.S. Open championships, but the first and 18th holes will change par throughout the event. One day the first will be a par-4 and the 18th a par-5. They will switch throughout the days of the championship.

• Chambers Bay could play up to 7,742 yards for the tournament but likely between 7,200 and 7,400 yards every day. Holes will change throughout the event. In fact, the par-4 16th hole could play more than 400 yards or less than 300 yards depending on the mood of the USGA.

• USGA Executive Director Mike Davis said that some tees might be set up on small slopes on the teeing grounds. Players could hit tee shots off slight downhill, uphill or side-hill lies on the tee boxes.

• Davis believes the winner of the tournament will be the player who does the most research – and who plays the course the most. Davis said it will take more than just two practice rounds to get a feel for the course.

• Chambers Bay hosted a USGA major in 2010 when it was the venue for the U.S. Men’s Amateur. The two top amateurs made the final. Expect seasoned PGA Tour veterans to make up much of the leaderboard as well. Shot making will be of the upmost importance.