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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Tricky tee shot on 9th

Par-3 ninth hole, as seen from clubhouse, features ‘parachute shot’ to the green. (Tyler Tjomsland)

If you’ve played Chambers Bay, you’re familiar with the dramatic elevation changes. The par-3 ninth provides a perfect example.

The scenic hole originates from one of the highest points on the property and features a 100-foot drop from the upper tee boxes to a large, wavy green. It plays between 168 and 227 yards. “Like a parachute shot,” USGA executive director Mike Davis said.

At the USGA’s urging, another set of tee boxes was added late in 2013 at a lower location that actually makes the shot slightly uphill. The lower tee box, which ranges from 185 and 220 yards, comes from a different angle than the upper tees and brings new pin locations into play.

“Rather than play from the upper tees all the time and have holes mainly on the right half of the green, that tee shot gives you mostly back-hole locations and the backstop comes into play,” general manager Matt Allen said.