The landscape at the Chambers Bay golf course site is changing dramatically as grader operators cut into huge sand hills and begin to transform a former gravel mine into a jewel that will boost the local economy and community pride. The year-long construction project began this fall after the County Council authorized a $20.78 million bond sale; a ground breaking event was held Oct. 11.

The clearing phase of golf course construction is nearly complete and Heritage Links of Houston, the contractor, has moved into rough grading. Rough grading involves moving material using bulldozers, excavators, scrapers and dump trucks to form the rough shape of the golf course.

“In the coming weeks, shaping of the golf course will begin,” said project manager Tony Tipton of Pierce County Public Works and Utility. “In this phase of work, a bulldozer will be used to complete the final shape of the golf course. The shaping will be done by an operator skilled in golf course shaping and will take place a little bit at a time as golf course rough grading is completed. After shaping, golf course drainage installation will begin.”

The golf course to be constructed during the coming year at Pierce County’s 937-acre Chambers Creek Properties will be the centerpiece of a spectacular urban setting. When completed, it’s hoped the location will be on par with Point Defiance Park and give residents a choice of outdoor venues that will be the envy of communities across the country.

Designed by world-class golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. of Palo Alto, Calif., Chambers Bay will offers views of south Puget Sound, tree covered islands, the Olympic Mountains and the Narrows Bridge for the enjoyment of golfers, hikers, beach combers and those who just want to sit and drink it all in. Heritage Links, the contractor, has completed projects in the U.S., Mexico, Asia, Middle East and the Caribbean.