News Summary
Gamble Sands Resort in Brewster, Washington, is expanding its golfing offerings with a new 18-hole course named Scarecrow, set to open on August 1. Designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, the course features challenging layouts and stunning views of the Columbia River Valley. This development includes additional luxury accommodations, enhancing the overall guest experience at the resort, which now boasts 50 holes of golf and top-notch facilities.
Gamble Sands Resort in Brewster, Washington, Announces Opening of New Golf Course
Gamble Sands Resort in Brewster, Washington, is set to expand its golfing offerings with the opening of a new 18-hole course named Scarecrow, scheduled to debut on August 1, 2025. This development will mark the resort’s second championship-level golf course, providing additional recreational options for visitors and golf enthusiasts alike.
Booking and Design Details
Prospective players can reserve tee times for Scarecrow by visiting the resort’s official website. The course has been designed by renowned golf architect David McLay Kidd, with technical assistance from Nick Schaan. The course spans approximately 300 acres of gently rolling terrain, repurposed from former cornfields, offering a scenic backdrop overlooking the Columbia River Valley and the Gebbers’ family orchards.
Course Features and Layout
Scarecrow features a par of 71 and extends to nearly 6,900 yards, with a focus on firm and fast playing surfaces created with high-quality fine fescue turf. It begins with a challenging downhill par 4 that includes a blind tee shot, adding a strategic element. The course concludes with a drivable par 4 situated on a cliff-edge green, generating dramatic finishing moments.
Design Elements and Playability
The course incorporates creative design features such as speed slots, boomerangs, angles, slopes, and reachable par 5s. It also includes five distinct par 3s and several formidable par 4s, providing diversity and challenge for golfers of various skill levels. McLay Kidd describes Scarecrow as a ‘twisted sister’ to the original Gamble Sands Course, emphasizing its playful yet challenging nature.
Reception and Additional Developments
Initial reviews of Scarecrow have been overwhelmingly positive, with early feedback indicating players are engaging with and enjoying the new layout. The resort has also enhanced its accommodations; in June 2025, it opened 40 new double-king rooms featuring golf course views at The Inn at Gamble Sands, increasing total capacity to 77 luxury rooms.
Features of the New Rooms
The upgraded rooms include amenities such as walk-in showers, large screen televisions, mini fridges, coffee makers, and private patios. Guests staying in these rooms will have access to a new putting green designed exclusively for their use, enhancing the golf experience.
Resort Offerings and Rankings
With the addition of the new course, Gamble Sands now offers 50 holes of golf, comprising two McLay Kidd-designed championship courses and a 14-hole short course called Quicksands. The resort’s comprehensive facilities include a 100,000-square-foot Cascades Putting Course, multiple dining options, a full practice facility, and a golf shop.
The original Gamble Sands Course continues to hold a prestigious position, being ranked No. 14 on GOLF Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list. It remains one of the leading golf courses in the United States.
Management and Operations
The resort is managed by Troon, a global leader in golf course management headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Troon operates over 900 locations worldwide, including many notable golf courses and hospitality venues, ensuring high standards of service and maintenance at Gamble Sands.
Summary
Overall, Gamble Sands Resort continues to enhance its reputation as a premier golf destination with the opening of Scarecrow and the expansion of its accommodations and facilities. The new course promises an engaging and challenging experience for players while maintaining the scenic and natural beauty that makes Gamble Sands a standout location in the Pacific Northwest.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Golf Wire
- Golf Pass
- Cape Cod Times
- Golf Week
- First Call Golf
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Gamble Sands
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Design
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Golf News
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