Chambers Bay :: 10 of the best pics

A view looking down the 488-yard par-4 fifth fairway.

In the lead up to the 115th US Open, it’s been no secret that players have been split on their opinions about playing at Chambers Bay.

But what can’t be disputed is the sheer beauty of the Pacific Northwest course, with several of the world’s top players really taken aback by the eight-year-old course – which was formerly a rock quarry.

“It’s a beautiful venue and it’s a golf course that’s a bit different from the normal US Opens, said world No.5 Henrik Stenson.

US Open champion in 2010, Graeme McDowell, said: “I think the golf course has been a lot better than I expected and I really, really like it. It’s got a few holes which have me scratching my head, but mostly I think it’s a fantastic test.”

CONTINUES BELOW…

A view from beside the green on the par-4 13th.

“I really didn’t know what to expect when I got here,” remarked world No.1 Rory McIlroy. “It’s really like playing an Open Championship in the United States. That’s what it’s going to be like this week, apart from the fact that it’s about 20 degrees warmer. I really like the golf course. I think it sets up well for my game.”

So, the initial negativity surrounding Chambers Bay seems to be slowly disappearing, although it might be a different story when the tournament gets underway!

Here are 10 of the best pictures of the Chambers Bay course taken by Getty photographer David Cannon, who visited the venue last summer. Breathtaking I’m sure you’ll agree.