Course Review: Gamble Sands

Course Overview

Location: Brewster, WA

Course Type: Public / Resort

Par & Yardage: Par 72, 7,227 yards from the tips

Rating & Slope: 73.4 rating / 120 slope from the tips

Notable Features: True inland links perched above the Columbia River, firm fescue fairways, massive greens, panoramic desert-mountain views, and designed by David McLay Kidd (of Bandon Dunes fame).

Quick Take: Gamble Sands is pure joy. Wide fairways, endless views, and a design that dares you to be bold — this course brings a playful energy to Pacific Northwest golf that’s as welcoming as it is unforgettable. Perched high above the Columbia River with nothing but blue skies and golden hills around you, it feels like golf’s version of a road trip: wide open, laid back, and full of good vibes. You’re going to want to hit driver. A lot.

Detailed Course Breakdown:

Course Difficulty – [Rating: 7.5/10]

Who’s it best for? Gamble Sands is perfect for golfers of all skill levels — seriously. It’s one of the rare courses where beginners can have a blast without losing a dozen balls, and experienced players can chase birdies if they’re brave (and smart). The landing areas are huge, the greens are massive, and the course gives you room to recover. It rewards creativity, not punishment.

Key challenges: Don’t let the wide fairways fool you — Gamble tests your strategy. The biggest challenge is on and around the greens: big undulations, sneaky runoffs, and firm conditions demand a good short game. And if the wind picks up (which it often does), club selection becomes a chess match.

Tee box breakdown: Multiple sets make it playable for everyone, and the forward tees are very friendly. The tips add teeth with length and angle — but even from the back, it’s more fun than frustrating.

Pro Tip: “Play aggressively off the tee, but conservatively into the greens. The false fronts and back shelves will get you if you’re not careful.”

Scenery – [Rating: 9.5/10]

Overall vibe: Breathtaking. Gamble Sands doesn’t look like your typical Northwest course — it feels more like the Scottish Highlands met the Eastern Washington desert and had a golf baby. From every tee box, you’re looking out over the Columbia River, snowcapped mountains in the distance, and nothing but fescue and blue sky. It’s remote, peaceful, and wildly cinematic.

Best holes for scenery: Hole 2 sets the tone — a downhill par 4 with the entire Columbia Basin laid out in front of you. Hole 14, a short risk-reward par 4 with sweeping river views, is picture perfect. The sunset stretch from 15–18 is unbeatable.

Seasonal considerations: Late spring through early fall is prime time — it’s dry, warm, and ideal for firm-and-fast play. Summers can get toasty, so bring water and sun protection. Fall brings cooler temps and epic golden hour lighting.

Walkability – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Can you walk it? Absolutely — and you should. The routing is compact, transitions are smooth, and elevation changes are manageable. It’s one of the most walkable destination courses in the region, and walking it just feels right out here.

Elevation changes: Gentle but present — the course flows with the natural terrain. There are a few climbs, but nothing that’ll wreck your calves.

Availability of pushcarts: Available and encouraged. They also offer caddies for a more elevated experience.

Pro Tip: “Take your time — the walk between holes is part of the magic out here. Soak it in.”

Course Conditions & Maintenance – [Rating: 9.5/10]

Fairway & rough condition: Pristine. The fescue fairways are firm, fast, and inviting — perfect for long rolls and creative shotmaking. There’s hardly any rough, just native areas if you really stray.

Greens: Big, bold, and beautifully kept. They roll true and fast, but with subtle slopes that can catch you off guard. Hitting the green is one thing — holding the right tier is another.

Bunker upkeep: Bunkers are sculpted and well-maintained. Not too penal, but placed smartly to mess with your angles and psyche.

Drainage in wet months: Eastern Washington doesn’t get much rain — but when it does, the sandy soil drains like a champ. Conditions stay playable year-round.

Pro Shop & Food Availability – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Pro shop selection: Solid gear game. The Gamble Sands logo is clean and versatile, and they stock good apparel from brands like Travis Mathew and Peter Millar.

Food & Drinks: The Danny Boy Bar & Grill is a hidden gem — casual vibes with elevated food and a great drink menu. The patio view is worth the trip alone.

Local food options nearby: You’re a bit off the grid here, but there are a few gems in Brewster and nearby Chelan. Still, your best bet is settling in at the grill post-round.

Pro Tip: “Grab lunch and a beer on the patio after your round — the view over the Columbia is hard to beat, and the burgers hit the spot.”

Practice Facilities – [Rating: 9/10]

Range: Expansive, with panoramic views and plenty of targets. You’ll want to hit a few extra just because of the setting.

Putting & chipping areas: Top notch. Big practice green that mirrors the contours on course, plus a great short game area for dialing in bump-and-runs and pitches.

Overall vibe: Relaxed but refined. It’s welcoming for all players — whether you're warming up for a serious round or just out here to enjoy the view.

Value for Money – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Greens Fee Range:

• Peak Season: $150 – $275

• Off-Peak / Shoulder: ~$125 – $200

• Twilight: $100 – $150

How’s the value? For a true destination course that’s ranked nationally and feels like a vacation from swing to sunset, Gamble is a steal. The conditions, setting, and playability make it feel like a resort round without the pretension.

Booking Difficulty: It’s not hard to book — yet. Weekends fill up during peak season, but weekdays and shoulder months are wide open. Pro tip: bundle it with a stay at the on-site Inn and you’ll feel like you’ve found golf nirvana.

Pro Tip: “Plan an overnight — hit the QuickSands short course in the evening, then tackle Gamble the next morning for the full Sands experience.”

Overall Rating: 9.2/10

Gamble Sands is golf happiness. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with the game — wide open fairways, dramatic views, and a vibe that encourages bold swings and easy laughs. Whether you’re road-tripping across the state or making it a weekend getaway, this is a course every Northwest golfer needs to check off their list.

Best For: Golf buddies’ trips, creative shotmakers, sunset chasers, and anyone who wants to play fearless and have fun doing it.

Would we recommend? Without hesitation. Gamble Sands is proof that serious golf doesn’t have to be serious. Come for the views, stay for the vibes, and don’t be surprised if you start planning your return trip before you leave the 18th green.