For more than a century, the United States Golf Association has staged its main Open championship on treacherously traditional courses across America, but this week it is in uncharted territory: links-like Chambers Bay on a sandy shore of Puget Sound near Tacoma, Wash.
With the 115th Open the first in the Pacific Northwest, it’s as if Chambers Bay is auditioning. Will it be worthy of joining Oakmont, Winged Foot, Pebble Beach and others in the Open rotation? Or will it be a one-time novelty?
The identity of the winner could provide the answer. Just as names make news in journalism, names make the reputation of a golf course.