Ernie Els Says Royal County Down Makes U.S. Open Course at Chambers Bay Look Like it's on Steroids

Ernie Els just finished up the Irish Open at Royal County Downs in Newcastle, Northern Ireland tied for 43rd at 10-over with 18-bogeys and one double-bogey. The four-time major champion, and two-time U.S. Open champion, then discussed the upcoming U.S. Open course, Chambers Bay, with Reuters.

"“After four days here at Royal County Down, it will make Chambers Bay look like it’s on steroids. This course was tricky but then I hear Chambers Bay is really tricky and I’m glad I played here this week as this will have been great practice heading up there to Washington State. You’re going to get all those links type shots from uneven lies, putting in wind and sometimes rain, so this will be a great test for Chambers Bay even though most of the guys going there have never played the golf course.”"

Fox Sports did a flyover of every hole at Chambers Bay. If you’ve got a little bit of time on your hands, go ahead and check out the course. There’s going to be some interesting shots to watch with this rough and hazards.

My favorites are listed below.

Par-4 7th (Humpback): sand down the right side of the fairway, blind shot in from the left.

Par-3 9th (Olympus): nice drop in elevation from tee to green, sand in front of a very contoured green.

Par-4 14th (Cape Fear): sand along the left of the fairway, a two-tiered fairway.