FEATURE — Nestled in the heart of Washington state, Gamble Sands beckons golf enthusiasts with its picturesque views and nonstop-fun layout.
Getting to this discovered but off-the-beaten-path golf gem is worth the two-hour and 20-minute drive from Spokane, Washington.
Our group flew into Spokane’s airport, rented a car and followed the Colombia River through rolling farmland and small towns until we found Golf Week’s No. 23-ranked course in America.
Worth the gamble
The 18-hole championship Sands Course is a layout that leads you far away from the clubhouse and gradually brings you back home with a series of holes that will never bore you.
David McKay Kidd did a masterful job of using bunkers as an optical illusion to protect landing areas and wide fairways.
Amid your journey, you’ll find drivable par 4s that can be friend or foe, par 3s that require creativity and bounces that can turn a bad shot into a good one and par 5s that remind you of why we love golf.
Gamble Sands sets out to right the wrongs of golf’s mean side all while rewarding ball-striking and risk-taking. With pure greens, speedy carts and a design that leaves you wanting to re-round, Gamble Sands is worth the trip.
Range finder
Keep an eye out for the “Loan Tree,” the course’s only tree that is randomly placed off of the par-5 seventh hole far enough from the fairway that the staff will tell you jokingly, “If your ball finds the lone tree, you should take up fishing.”
Views
Perched above the Columbia River and the quaint town of Brewster, Gamble Sands offers panoramic vistas that transport you to multiple worlds at once. The fertile grounds, once an orchard, add to the course’s charm and provide a serene backdrop for a day on the links.
Look out for quicksands
Not to be missed before or after your round on The Sands Course is a 14-hole par-3 or “short course,” known as the quicksands. This unique and adventurous par-3 has only one downside: the walk up the hill after the last hole. Every other part will test your short game, shot-making imagination and putting skill. The best part, even if you flunk all of those tests, is that you can still have a blast with the creative and player-friendly layout.
Why have 18 when you can have 36?
It probably didn’t make a lot of sense back in 2014 to put an 18-hole golf resort 130 miles west of Spokane, but 10 years later and less than a year away (opening 2025) it feels like a no-brainer for Gamble Sands to be adding a second 18-hole track. The unnamed second course is also designed by David McKay Kidd who has made a name for himself with such masterpieces as Bandon Dunes and Mammoth Dunes to his credit.
A welcoming atmosphere
From the moment you arrive at Gamble Sands, the warmth of the staff and the inviting atmosphere sets the tone for a memorable visit.
The hospitality extends to the Inn and clubhouse, where guests are treated to complimentary locally-grown Sugar Bee Apples. Along with what seems like a bottomless barrel of Washington’s finest apples, the staff also offers up a plate of hot chocolate chip cookies that I kept telling myself were probably frozen, but somehow I couldn’t stop eating. What can I say, I am a sucker for a warm chocolate chip cookie. Lastly, if you don’t love apples or cookies, they have a basket of caramel apple suckers that make for a nice treat after a round. Trust me on this one.
Friendly staff
For those who make their way to Gamble Sands, they’ll find a property filled with employees who seem to love their job and make you feel right at home. I love feeling like they are glad I am there and want me or my group to enjoy every minute of our trip. I’d like to think I am outside of the high-maintenance category, but have seen too many guests over the years that act like being on vacation is their personal right to say, do and act however they want.
I give this crew high marks for customer service and attention to detail. Our group continued to comment on how well-trained and attentive the staff was. A true sign of good leadership, but also employees who just seem to care.
Play, then stay
If you play your cards right, you will stay on property and get more than one round on the Sands Course and Quicksands short course. Having stayed and played golf all over the country including the Pacific Ocean, Midwest and East Coast, I believe the accommodations at Gamble Sands might be some of the best in golf, but maybe not for the reasons you think.
This is no Four Seasons, but don’t be fooled, the rooms are modern, spacious and have all of the amenities you’d expect from a 3.5-4-star hotel. What sets it apart is the view and, perhaps my favorite part, a 36-hole Himalayan-style putting green known as the Cascade just a few paces from your room. Below your room, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Colombia River, Cascade Mountains in the distance and sunsets that can rival Maui.
Final drive
At Gamble Sands Golf Course, every aspect of your experience is a careful blend of hospitality and fun. From the welcoming staff and Sugar Bee Apples to the breathtaking views overlooking the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains, Gamble Sands provides a golf escape that only makes sense once you get there. David McKay Kidd’s design provides a challenge and reward for players of all levels. Add Gamble Sands to your must-play list and experience the magic firsthand — you won’t be disappointed.
Photo Gallery
Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News The Inn at Gamble Sands provides golfers with a "retreat" atmosphere, Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Quicksands is the renowned par-3 or "short course" at Gamble Sands and features a "creative and player-friendly layout," Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News Majestic vistas surround Gamble Sands golf course in Brewster, Washington, April 20, 2024 | Photo by JB Linder, St. George News
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