An Honest Review of Gamble Sands

I went on a golf trip to Gamble Sands this past week and played both the Gamble Sands and Scarecrow courses. Good times, great scenery, solid food and drinks. Here’s my honest take.First, let me get this out of the way: don’t compare it to Bandon Dunes. I made that mistake and it colored the whole experience. They’re just not in the same league.

The setup is great. Gamble Sands is in Brewster, WA, right next to Lake Chelan — a beautiful 50-mile lake that’s mostly a summer destination. The resort checks a lot of the right boxes: two 18-hole courses plus a par 3, on-site lodging (we didn’t stay, more on that in a sec), epic high-desert views, friendly staff who took our bags at arrival, and genuinely good vibes throughout.

On the courses themselves — Gamble Sands is very walkable and we pulled carts for that round. Scarecrow is hilly enough that you’ll want a ride. The layouts are fun, especially Scarecrow, which has more character. Neither course is particularly tough, but the greens will get you — especially Scarecrow’s, which are smaller and more undulated. One quirk: the bunkers are full of rocks because they use the natural sand/dirt of the land. Interesting concept, but I wasn’t exactly eager to take bunker shots and risk my clubs (or my hands).

Conditions were firm. I don’t know if it was the time of year, but the ground was rock hard. Hit the fairway — which isn’t hard, they’re wide — and your ball runs forever. Hit a green and it won’t leave a mark. Not bad, just something to know going in. The weather was great when we played. High 50’s, a little windy on day 1, but overall excellent golf weather. There were also lots of holes with great views but I don’t think there are any “signature” type holes that stand out.

The range and amenities were fine. Normally a grass range but we got mats during our trip, with those cheap 2-piece range balls. Whatever — it’s free. There’s a hot dog and drink shack on the course and plenty of bathrooms, which counts for more than people admit.

Food and drink — we ate at one of their two restaurants after the round. The food was decent, nothing memorable. I wanted to try a local beer and they were out. Minor thing, but it fit a pattern of the place being almost great without quite nailing the details.

Bottom line: Gamble Sands is a fun trip worth making, but it’s not a bucket list destination. Think of it as a really solid, expensive, upscale daily-fee course rather than a pilgrimage-worthy experience. Maybe that’s a little harsh — the setting alone is genuinely beautiful — but I’ve played courses in Palm Springs and the Inland Empire that felt comparable. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest and looking for a fun golf getaway, absolutely go. Just leave courses like Bandon and Kapalua out of the conversation.