Chambers Bay Crisis

Chambers Bay Golf Course is a bucket list destination for golfers around the world, and a backdrop for the community, serving as a public park. It opened in 2007, after local legend John Ladenburg and course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr had a vision. They saw a sand & rock quarry, and created a slice of heaven. That fantasy manifested when it hosted the 2015 US Open. It was my first golf tournament, and it was like another planet. Tents, carts, food, and countless enthusiasts took over the course, and I was in a daze of excitement and elation to be a part of the experience. Ever since its epic indoctrination into the golf community, tee sheets have filled all year long with eager golf junkies, willing to pay $300 to see how they stack up with their favorite pro. Let me be the first to say, I can personally appreciate the level of brilliance that professional golfers produce. That is because I was the last to say well-wishes as patrons leave our prestigious establishment.

Graduating from UW Tacoma, with a major in Marketing and a minor in Sports Business, I was looking for my next opportunity to enhance my resume, reputation, and catapult my career. With Chambers Bay in my backyard, I jumped at the chance to be a part of the company. Amid COVID-19 stipulations, I wore a mask in my interview, and took it off for my first shift. Essentially, I was a part of the 'transition'. I was offered a job on the spot, given a pivotal role in the Chambers Bay Golf Shop. I explained, I could not fathom working effectively at 5:00 in the morning, but was looking for any shot to be a part of the team. Brent Zepp, CB Head Pro, said we want you, and we want you to close.

Little did I know, that closing the shop is more of a predicament than I had originally imagined. It starts with the bank. It is the first thing you do when you clock in, you tally dollars and cents to ensure all money is accounted for. Typical for most jobs with a cash register. Next you stock. Balls, ball markers, and divot tools highlight the typical inventory. Basically, anyone should be able to complete the essential duties of this job. Never settling, I took the role a step further, sales (and not just the Chambers Bay sails logo). I had to justify purchases of an $80 Melin hat or $160 Jordan 1 golf shoes. I took personal vindication in making sure everyone who walked out of Chambers Bay had something to take home, more than just a story. After a 7.4 mile walk around one of the most challenging golf courses in the world, I was the final stop on their journey. I never knew what to expect when our patrons finished their round. They would come through our doors, and I would greet them with a welcome, a smile, and an understanding that I was the last impression these guests would have of Chambers Bay. Unfortunately, I had the burden of describing the disaster that dismantled our beautiful course.

After a happy Christmas holiday, Chambers Bay Golf Course got a present that no one wanted, that was impossible to keep under wraps. Hole 15, "the one with the tree", was wrecked. A water pipe burst under the green, and destroyed the iconic hole. With water gushing, the sand that characterized the course washed out creating bumps and a massive crevasse in the middle of our green, and required a complete refortification. Growing grass in the Northwest is its own obstacle, but rehabbing a green on top of sand is a far cry from growing a Chia-Pet. We had to redo foundation, sod, and pray for sunlight, to be ready for our summer rush. For 6 months, I had to explain the situation, and qualm frustrations and inquiries about the tragedy. We compensated golfers with discounted rounds and tried to keep the peace in the golf community. But damage was done. Thankfully, on May 11th, we reopened 15 to fanfare and support and got rave reviews of the conditions that defined Chambers Bay.

I am proud to be a part of the Chambers Bay Staff, and I am proud to be a part of a team that can handle a crisis. I have seen the innerworkings of a world-class facility, and appreciate what it takes to bring a genuine experience to guests. The employees are excellent, top notch, the best in the game. Each one brings their own talents and expertise to their job, and management provides a structure to help everyone succeed. I recognize my impact was worth more than my paycheck, but that is not why I applied myself to Chambers Bay. I wanted to be a part of something special, and Chambers Bay means more to me than my handicap.