Gamble Sands Resort on Aug. 1 takes the next big step in its growth on Aug. 1 when Scarecrow opens as David McLay Kidd’s second layout at the Brewster, WA., property. McLay Kidd’s original Gamble Sands course 7,51 yards, par 72) opened in 2014 to rave reviews and helped further establish the Scotland-born architect as one of this generation’s top course designers.
Depending on how you count, Scarecrow actually could be the third – or even fourth – McLay Kidd creation at the resort, as he did the Quicksands, 14-hole, par-3 layout and the 100,000 square-foot Cascades putting course.
The resort, managed by Troon, this past June opened 40 new double-king rooms at The Inn at Gamble Sands. Each of the rooms overlook Scarecrow. All told, The Inn at Gamble Sands now has a total of 77 luxury rooms, including 37 rooms which overlook the Columbia River.
“We try very hard to make everyone feel comfortable,’’ said resort General Manager Blake Froling, “We’re not in our guests’ faces. We’re not the Ritz or a Holiday Inn – we’re what our customers want us to be.
“Scarecrow (Gamble Sands Resort)
The rooms are nice, the courses are great, we have new golf cars and our service is nice. We don’t have a lot of (inclement) weather, so from May through Sept. 31, it’s pretty much going to be golf weather.
“People are coming here from all over the world. It’s just an easy trip.’’
Made easier by the addition of the Scarecrow, along with the resort’s multiple food and beverage options (don’t miss breakfast at The Barn), the stunning views of the Columbia River, and long summer days that make playing 54 holes almost a no-brainer. Play the 420-yard (tips), par-4 , 17th hole at Gamble Sands at sunset and you’ll know why you made the trek to north-central Washington.
Feature Photo: Gamble Sands