Representative image Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0
Gamble Sands — Sands Course
Brewster, Washington, United States
18 Holes · Par 72 · Green fees vary by season and demand; check the resort for current rates · Links
— About
About Gamble Sands — Sands Course
Gamble Sands is a public resort course at Brewster, Washington, designed by David McLay Kidd. The Sands course is a par 72 laid out on a sandy bluff above the Columbia River, with big views across the river valley. Kidd gave it wide fairways, large greens and plenty of room to recover from a poor shot, and many holes offer both a safe line and a riskier one. The property belongs to the Gebbers family, who farm apples and cherries in the area.
- Kidd later added a second 18-hole course, Scarecrow, so Gamble Sands now offers 36 holes of championship golf.
- A short course, QuickSands, and a putting course sit alongside the two championship layouts.
- Walking is permitted, and the routing is friendly to anyone who prefers to carry or pull.
- Fine fescue turf keeps the fairways firm and fast, so the ball runs out on drives and approaches.
History of Gamble Sands — Sands Course
The Gebbers family, long established as apple and cherry farmers in Brewster, hired Kidd to build a golf course on part of their land. The Sands course opened in 2014. The family followed the Bandon Dunes model, adding a second 18, Scarecrow, so the resort could be a destination on its own.
Signature holes at Gamble Sands — Sands Course
The 2nd is the hole visitors remember first, a short par 4 that tumbles downhill with the town of Brewster and the Columbia River as the backdrop. The 5th is a long par 4 played down a big slope.
When to play Gamble Sands — Sands Course
Brewster sits in the dry interior of Washington, east of the Cascades, so the main golf season runs from spring through early autumn.
Playing Gamble Sands — Sands Course: tips
Gamble Sands is at 200 Sands Trail Road in Brewster, a small town in north central Washington. Carts and pull carts are available, and the pro shop, pub and driving range are on site. Green fees change with the season, so check the resort before you book.
— Weather at Gamble Sands — Sands Course
Approximate conditions · Observed · Open-Meteo
Visit Gamble Sands — Sands Course
200 Sands Trail Road, Brewster, WA 98812
Brewster, Washington, United States
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Gamble Sands — Sands Course
Is Gamble Sands open to the public?
Yes. Gamble Sands is a public resort course, and the Sands course sells tee times to visitors as well as to resort guests.
Can you stay at Gamble Sands?
Yes. The Inn at Gamble Sands is on the property, and there is on-site dining, which suits a multi-day golf trip.
Is the Sands course hard for high handicappers?
Not especially. Wide fairways, large greens and slopes that funnel shots back toward the target make it forgiving, and scoring depends on how much risk you accept.