Without U.S. Open to host, Chambers Bay Golf Academy provides opportunity for golfing public

It was a scene at Chambers Bay we’ll never forget: The likes of Tiger….and Rory….and Jordan….all gearing up.

But a year later, the grandstands are gone – leaving behind more than just U.S. Open memories.

“Now, we have this huge practice center to ourselves with a lot more space,” said Ryan Young, Chambers Bay’s Director of Instruction.

It’s a space now home to the Chambers Bay Golf Academy - whose setting isn’t lost on most of the junior golfers who take part.

“They say, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re at Chambers Bay,’” Young said. “I mean – they were here trying to get autographs last year. Now, they’re practicing where they saw their golfing idols out here.”

The Academy includes golf programs from juniors to adult, from novice to advanced – and even includes a monthly appearance from teaching pro Brian Mogg, who, like the course itself, attracts golfers from everywhere – and even out of state.

Even a lost cause like me with a vintage glove was able to learn a thing or two.

“We’re fortunate enough to have a public space here, so what better ways to have intro programs for the locals that are just walking the trails,” Young said.

But until the U.S. Open hopefully returns, the best atmosphere might be with the kids, thanks to a new junior league.

“This place was covered with parents and their kids, hanging out in lawn chairs, rooting on their kids – setting up drills,” Young said. “It was kind of fun, going back to my old soccer and other sports days – I mean, these are things I did with soccer, but that never happens for golf.”

At least, not until now – right here at Chambers Bay, in the shadows of what took place here close to a year ago.