Imagine a golf course on the west coast of the United States so challenging and interesting that it attracts players from countries on six continents. Pebble Beach on California’s Monterey Peninsula and Bandon Dunes/Pacific Dunes on the Oregon coast may come to mind. Officials in Pierce County, Washington are hoping to add another jewel to that short list.
The planned Chambers Creek Golf Course site bordering Puget Sound in University Place offers panoramic views of Puget Sound, neighboring islands, the Tacoma Narrows and the Olympic Mountains. Featuring cliffs, dunes and an elevation change from sea level to 250 feet, the property demands extraordinary treatment.

The former gravel mine site has few equals in terms of golf course aesthetics and potential shot values, according to golf industry leaders who have viewed the property. “The setting is absolutely breathtaking. This is a chance to do something extraordinary,” said John Bodenhamer, executive director of the Pacific Northwest and Washington State Golf Associations.

“The Olympic Mountains to the west, the Cascade Range to the east, and Puget Sound at your feet. I can’t envision a more exciting golf course design opportunity,” added John Ladenburg, Pierce County Executive. At Ladenburg’s direction, Pierce County issued a Request for Qualifications from interested golf course architects to “design a 27-hole golf course capable of attracting PGA, LPGA and USGA national tournaments.”

Fifty-seven applications were reviewed by a nine-member committee composed of county, community and golf industry representatives. The top five were selected for the final review phase Jan. 20-21. They are:

– Cupp Design Inc., Atlanta, Ga., Robert E. Cupp, principal;

– John Harbottle Design, Tacoma, Wash., John Harbottle, principal;

– Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design Inc., Columbus, Ohio, and Lawrence Golf Designs Inc., Cave Creek, Ariz., Michael J. Hurdzan, principal;

– Phil Mickelson Design and Gary D. Stephenson, Celina, Tex., Phil Mickelson, principal;

– Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects, Palo Alto, Calif., Robert Trent Jones Jr., principal.

The site is within Pierce County’s 930-acre Chambers Creek Properties, which stretches along two miles of Puget Sound shoreline and includes three miles of forested canyon along Chambers Creek. The golf course is an integral element of the CCP master plan that was developed through a community planning process that involved scores of citizens from University Place and neighboring communities.

“There is much more to this proposal than a golf course,” said Pierce County Councilmember Terry Lee. “It is an opportunity to transform a barren landscape, create jobs and generate revenue as envisioned by the Chambers Creek Properties master site plan. The project, including the planned pedestrian trail extensions, restaurant and other features, will enhance the economic development efforts of Lakewood, Steilacoom and University Place.”

The master plan had been adopted by the time Ladenburg came into office in January 2001. He has a vision for the golf course and its role in boosting tourism and economic development in his county. “A world-class venue will draw golfers to Pierce County in the same way the planned car museum will bring people who love classic automobiles,” Ladenburg said.

Pierce County operates two golf courses, Lake Spanaway and Fort Steilacoom. Chambers Creek won’t compete with those or other area courses. Rather, it will be designed and constructed to attract golfers challenged by the opportunity to experience golf in a dramatic and unique setting. Design is expected to be completed this summer, and construction could begin during the second half of the year and be completed in late 2006 or early 2007.