Dad's Visit: Golf at Chambers Bay

Thanks to one of Josh's colleagues, we booked Dad in to play a round of golf at Chambers Bay in Tacoma.  For those not in golfing circles, Chambers Bay hosted the US Amateur Golf Championship and is scheduled to host the US PGA Open in 2015.  It is a Links course, described on the website as follows:

"Centuries ago on the Linksland of Scotland where native grasses meander between the coastal sand dunes and the sea, the game of golf was born.   Providing both inspiration and challenge, the elements defined the experience.  That tradition continues today at Chambers Bay."

Both Dad and I like to rise early, and since it was predicted to be a hot day Dad took an early tee-time of 7.45am.  That meant leaving Seattle at 6.15am to get there in good time.  He borrowed Fred's father golf clubs and borrowed a driver, arriving in time for a shuttle bus to take him to the first tee along with 3 other players signed up for that time.  One of the men was a local celebrity (we have been unable to track him down but he appears to have been a pro or businessman of some standing, getting VIP treatment) and Dad enjoyed the golf a great deal.

Dad (figure on the right) warming up by the tee-off point.

Another view of the course as they move off.

The sun finally makes it over the ridge to light our walk.

While Dad spent 4.5 hours going around the course, Wren and I planned to take a small walk /scoot around a section of the golf course and then head up to the Chambers Bay Grill.  Unfortunately, I misheard the information about the trail length.  I thought it was 3/4 mile but it was 3-4 miles.  Wren and I bravely scooted and walked 3.5 miles up and down around the entire perimeter BEFORE BREAKFAST!!! 

Wren taking a break with injuries.

8am.  2.5 miles to go.

To make it worse, after a mile of scooting, Wren had a bleeding blister on his heel.  I told him to take off his shoe and carried it.  Every second person pointed out that my child was "missing his shoe!"  (Americans are very helpful and nosy and worried about bare feet so there was a perfect storm of helpfulness along the trail).   The bare foot made it hard for Wren who usually uses his shoe to drag behind him as a brake on the downhills.  And there were Some Steep Downhills!

"I have not dropped my shoe"

This hill is too steep to scoot UP!

Warning of the steep hill!  Will the bare foot be enough of a brake?

No!  This hill is too steep to scoot DOWN!

Thank goodness the food and coffee at the Grill were worth waiting for.  In fact, it was such a wonderful destination that I would consider driving down there one day just to do the walk and brunch again.  Wren ordered the kids bear pancake and it was one of the most entertainingly presented meals he has seen.  He ate it ALL up.  My eggs were great although I forgot to hold the bacon (or I did, but it came anyway).

Chambers Bay Grill - Kids Bear pancake 10/10

After the walk and breakfast it was only 9.30am so Wren and I headed over to Point Defiance Zoo (or Poindefine zoo, as Wren calls it), making it back in time to meet Dad for lunch again at Chambers Bay.  Dad enjoyed his meal of seafood but should have had the burger as they looked excellent.

Dad and Fred's Dad's clubs have lunch at the Grill

Dad and Wren at the entrance to the Pro Store

It was a very happy day and I am so glad we made it down there.  Now Dad has left I am looking back on it as one of the real holidays of his vacation.