U.S. Open: Chambers Bay tough to figure

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – It’s a bomber’s paradise, demanding length so players can exercise control with high irons into massive, undulating greens, according to Rory McIlroy and Jason Day. It’s a huge advantage to fly it 295-300 yards. Phil Mickelson thought the same thing when he toured Chambers Bay a few weeks ago but changed his mind earlier this week. The course is so firm and fast that the roll-out on drives, outside of a few holes that require longer carries, could neutralize the distance factor. Mickelson emphasized the importance of the short game and saving strokes on and around the greens. Hometown favorite Michael Putnam went a different route, calling it a second-shot course that stresses where to land approach shots and judging where the ball will ultimately come to rest. They’re all correct, to some degree. Contrary to traditional U.S. Opens played out on fairways as wide as your driveway, punishing rough and table-top greens, the 115th version will unfold at links-style Chambers Bay, where the unknowns of the 8-year-old course outnumber the certainties. It’s a first for the national championship on many fronts: First trip to the Pacific Northwest, first with four 500-yard par 4s, first on fescue grass, first with alternating pars on a pair of holes and the first with so many tee-box and hole-location options. Players have offered mixed reviews. Many are embracing the creativity of the ground game required at Chambers Bay, while others, notably Charl Schwartzel, barked about bumpy fescue greens and suggested luck will be the biggest factor. “The course is incredibly fast and fiery, as pure a links course as I’ve ever seen on this side of the Atlantic,” 2010 champion Graeme McDowell said. “It’s got a few holes that have me scratching my head but mostly I think it’s a fantastic test.” Europeans have won four of the last five U.S. Opens. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, the 26-year-old pursuing his fifth major championship, is among the favorites. “We’re going to play three British Opens this year: here, the real one at St. Andrews and the (PGA) at Whistling Straits,” defending champion Martin Kaymer said. “I think guys from the UK might have a little bit of an advantage because this is what they grew up on.” Or is it finally Mickelson’s turn? The left-hander has won five majors but leads the planet in U.S. Open heartbreak. He’s done everything but win it, finishing second six times. “Some people get discouraged by that and it almost pushes them away,” Mickelson said. “For me, it’s been a motivator to continue to work harder and get over that hump.” Or is it someone with serious credentials still in pursuit of an elusive first major? Day, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan, Sergio Garcia, Matt Kuchar? “Being in the winner’s circle a few weeks back (at the Players) I’d really like to have that chance come Sunday,” Fowler said. “I’ve had a lot of fun playing the course the past few days. It would be nice to put a major on the resume.” Chambers Bay is ready for its close-up, though its changing colors after an unseasonably warm and dry spring. The green fairways now have a heavy shade of tan, all surrounded by the sand, humps and bumps that add an element of unpredictability to the next four days. “At times it may not be fair,” Fowler said. “You can hit a great shot and the ball ends up in the wrong spot and if you take that the wrong way you’re behind the eight-ball and you’re not going to have a chance. You have to be able to accept it and move on.”