Brewster, Washington · Golf-first resort

Planning a Golf Trip to Gamble Sands: Group Guide

Two David McLay Kidd 18s above the Columbia River in Central Washington, plus a 14-hole short course and a giant putting course. Both 18s won Golf Digest's Best New Public award.

Best forGolf-first groups who want firm, wide, fun links-style golf and a stay-on-site trip
Group size4–12 · 12–24 · 24+ golfers
Budget$$$ Premium
Best monthsMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Trip styleBucket list · Stay & play resort · Links / walking golf

The courses to play

  • Gamble Sands: David McLay Kidd design that opened in 2014 and was named Golf Digest's Best New course. Wide, firm fairways built for creative ground-game shots. Open to resort guests and daily-fee players.
  • Scarecrow: David McLay Kidd and Nick Schaan design on 300 acres of former cornfield, opened August 1, 2025 to resort guests and the public. Golf Digest's Best New Public course for 2025. Steeper ground and slightly smaller greens than the original.
  • Quicksands: A 14-hole par-3 course by David McLay Kidd, with holes from 60 to 180 yards. Walking only, music on the course, and groups up to an eightsome.
  • Cascades Putting Course: About 100,000 square feet of putting green below the lodge, modeled on the Himalayas at St Andrews. Hole locations change daily. The spot for after-dinner bets.

Getting there

AirportCodeDrive to the golf
Wenatchee (Pangborn)EATabout 1.5 hrs
SpokaneGEGabout 2.5 hrs
Tri-CitiesPSCabout 3 hrs
Seattle-TacomaSEAabout 4 hrs

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When to go

The resort books its season April through October. Summer weekends fill first, so book early or aim for spring and fall weekdays.

Group tip

Book Hotel & Golf packages for small groups. For 12 or more, use the group inquiry form to work with a reservations specialist on rooms, golf and dining. The resort's own plan for three nights is six rounds: arrive by noon, play 36 on day three, and finish with a morning round. Everyone needs a car, since the nearest commercial airport is about 1.5 hours away.

Before you book

  1. Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
  2. Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
  3. Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
  4. Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
  5. Pick your format and build pairings.
Watch · 8 min7 Golf Trip Mistakes That Ruin the Trip (I've Made Them All)

Heads-up before you book

  • Gamble Sands says 2026 group availability is limited, especially on summer weekends, and it is already taking 2027 group inquiries. source

Checked November 10, 2026. Schedules change, so confirm with the resort.

Fun facts about Gamble Sands

  • The Gebbers family farmed the land around Gamble Sands for about a century before building golf on it. Apple and cherry orchards still sit next to Scarecrow. source
  • Two courses at the same resort have each won Golf Digest's Best New Public award: Gamble Sands in 2014 and Scarecrow in 2025. Scarecrow won after being open only about 80 days. source
  • Quicksands holes have names like Plinko, Crater and Donut. You can putt from tees and play bank shots. source
  • The Cascades putting course lights up at night with fire pits and glow balls. source

Facts last checked November 10, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.

Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.

FAQ

When is the best time for a Gamble Sands golf trip?

The resort books its season April through October. Summer weekends fill first, so book early or aim for spring and fall weekdays. Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

What airport do you fly into for Gamble Sands?

Wenatchee (Pangborn) (EAT), about 1.5 hrs; Spokane (GEG), about 2.5 hrs; Tri-Cities (PSC), about 3 hrs; Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), about 4 hrs.

What are the best courses at Gamble Sands?

Gamble Sands, Scarecrow, Quicksands, Cascades Putting Course.

Is Gamble Sands good for a group golf trip?

Best for: Golf-first groups who want firm, wide, fun links-style golf and a stay-on-site trip. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24, 24+ golfers.

How far ahead should we book Gamble Sands?

For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.

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