Gamble Sands is Washington’s premier golf resort escape. Perched on a vast, sandy plateau high above the Columbia River Valley in Brewster, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, river gorge, and endless high-desert landscape. Designed by David McLay Kidd, it features two championship 18-hole courses plus a stellar short course and massive putting green, pure links-style golf with firm fescue fairways, wide-open terrain, strategic risk-reward holes, and that addictive “run the ball” fun factor.

Quick Facts

  • Two 18-hole masterpieces (Gamble Sands/Sands and Scarecrow) + QuickSands (14-hole par-3 short course) + Cascades (huge putting course with sunset views)
  • True links-style play: Sandy base, fescue grasses, no trees, massive fairways, huge greens, and wind adding strategy
  • Seasonal play: Spring through fall; peak summer for long days and ideal weather (70s-90s°F), but mornings beat the heat
  • Top-ranked: Sands often #1 or #2 public in Washington (Golf Digest, Golfweek); top-100 public nationally; Scarecrow adds fresh drama (opened 2025)
  • Resort immersion: The Inn at Gamble Sands (river or golf views), dining (Danny Boy farm-to-table, The Barn pizzas), fire pits, and stay-and-play packages

Formed by catastrophic ice age floods, the Washington high desert is a sight to behold. It stands in stark contrast to the state’s western half. A beautiful place to visit for some unforgettable golf.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (Sands for classic fun, Scarecrow for elevation thrills), post-golf drinks with epic views, friendly bets on risk-reward holes, and group cabins for the crew
  • Families: Short course and putting green for all levels; resort lodging with views; non-golfers enjoy the scenery, dining, or nearby wine tasting and orchards

Top Standout Courses

Gamble Sands (The Sands Course)

The original legend, Golf Digest Best New Course 2014 winner and top-100 public staple. Wide, forgiving fairways on a treeless plateau, firm-and-fast fescue, big greens, and endless options for creative play (ground game rules here). Stunning Columbia River overlooks, pure joy and replayability.

Scarecrow Course

The bold newcomer (opened 2025), another David McLay Kidd gem with more elevation changes, peaks, ridges, and dramatic river-valley views. Contrasting yet complementary to Sands. Strategic, visually stunning, and full of brain-teasing holes that reward smart play.

QuickSands (14-Hole Par-3 Short Course)

David McLay Kidd-designed fun with holes from 80-150 yards, music vibes, groups up to 8, perfect for quick rounds, warm-ups, or evening hangs. High-energy and super replayable.

Cascades Putting Course

Massive, Himalayas-inspired putting green with dazzling Columbia River sunset views. Cap the day here with glow balls or just chill by fire pits.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • The Inn at Gamble Sands: Luxury rooms (river-view or golf-view over Scarecrow), fireplaces, balconies/patios, steps to the tees
  • Packages emphasize overnight stays, rounds on Sands/Scarecrow, replays, breakfast, and perks; customize for groups or buddies
  • On-site dining: Danny Boy (rustic farm-to-table) and The Barn (casual pizzas)

All Key Gamble Sands Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Gamble Sands (Sands Course, links classic)
  • Scarecrow Course (elevation drama)
  • QuickSands (14-hole par-3 fun)
  • Cascades Putting Course (sunset putting magic)
  • Plus driving range, practice areas, and pro shop

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via gamblesands.com or specialists; hotel guest rates save big ($200-$250 for 18 holes), multi-night deals for max rounds
  • Fly into Wenatchee (EAT, 90 minutes) or Spokane (GEG, 2.5 hours); Seattle (SEA) for a longer scenic drive (3+ hours)
  • Pair golf with Central Washington favorites: local wineries, fresh cherries and apples from orchards, Columbia River views, or farm-to-table eats
  • Embrace the firm conditions (run shots!); use forward tees for fun; caddies available for strategy on wind and slopes

Time to tee it up on the high-desert plateau, let the ball run forever, and reset with world-class links golf. Gamble Sands is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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