LIV Golf’s Tournament Plans at Controversial U.S. Open Venue Leaves Fans Divided
Every year, the U.S. Open challenges the best golfers on the planet to a four-day test of skill and perseverance. Traditionally held at some of the most historic and prestigious clubs in the United States, this signature event of the USGA usually garners positive feedback from the golfing community. However, in 2015, Chambers Bay emerged…
Every year, the U.S. Open challenges the best golfers on the planet to a four-day test of skill and perseverance. Traditionally held at some of the most historic and prestigious clubs in the United States, this signature event of the USGA usually garners positive feedback from the golfing community. However, in 2015, Chambers Bay emerged as the unexpected antagonist of the golf world. The course’s brown, bumpy greens and conditions deemed uncharacteristic of a U.S. Open provoked significant discontent among even the sport’s most ardent fans.
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This week, Chambers Bay is once again in the spotlight, not because it is back on the U.S. Open venue list, but due to a different reason altogether. According to a report from the Tacoma News Tribune on Saturday, representatives from the marketing agency for LIV Golf have recently reached out to Chambers Bay about the possibility of hosting an event.
“If they follow up with their indirect inquiry, we’ll listen,” said Don Anderson, executive counsel for Pierce County, to TNT’s Jon Manley, via Golf.com.
Following the backlash after the 2015 U.S. Open, Chambers Bay implemented several significant changes to its course, the most notable being the replacement of the browned-out fescue putting surfaces with poa annua greens. Anderson expressed that while Pierce County still hopes to host another U.S. Open or major championship in the future, they are open to the idea of welcoming a non-USGA or PGA event.
“With respect to the U.S. Open, I think our best shot is being the attractive cousin who’s a backup date when your prom date can’t go,” Anderson remarked, via Golf.com.
The golf community is currently divided over the prospect of LIV Golf hosting an event at Chambers Bay. Many fans believe it’s time for Pierce County to get another chance at hosting a significant tournament, despite the course’s controversial past.
This place may have faced a lot of criticism, but the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay left a lasting impression, more so than many other venues.
Would you tune into a LIV Golf event if it were played at Chambers Bay