Chambers vs Gamble

[MileHighGuye]

Looking at extending our trip to Bandon next year with starting off our trip in Gamble Sands or Chambers Bay.

 

Any thoughts on one vs the other? Obviously logistically easier from Chambers bay.(6hrs) vs Gamble at 10.5 plus the time from the airport.

 

Thanks in advance! 

 

Any other ideas in Eugene or Portland?

[duffer987]

Chambers is better, it just is. And I really like Gamble Sands.

If you're only playing 1 of 2 and have a long haul of a trip ahead of you, just head to Chambers, have a great time starting your trip and off you go.

[MileHighGuye]

7 minutes ago, duffer987 said:

Chambers is better, it just is. And I really like Gamble Sands.

If you're only playing 1 of 2 and have a long haul of a trip ahead of you, just head to Chambers, have a great time starting your trip and off you go.

Fantastic. Thanks for your input. I completely agree and thought this would be the way to go.

[duffer987]

3 minutes ago, bradleyguye said:

Fantastic. Thanks for your input. I completely agree and thought this would be the way to go.

Ya I did the hike out to Gamble a few years ago to play 36 and it really is a fun quality track, but if someone was to say DMK 'over-corrected' on the fun side after he built a bunch of tougher OTT courses, I wouldn't disagree with them.

I think Chambers is a more even combo of fun/challenge and being biased it is one of my favorite courses, so there is that. On a side note - in the fast/firm public courses category - if you find yourself with a window on your trip for an extra Bay Area round, play Corica South in Alameda.

[Slippin_Jimmy]

I've been fortunate enough to do the Chambers/Bandon combo twice and would wholeheartedly recommend.  The first time I drove straight down to Bandon from Chambers, the second time I flew from Seattle to Eugene (45-60 minute flight) and drove the rest of the way.  It's a beast of a drive down to Bandon from Chambers Bay, I feel like you'd have to be really hauling it to get down there in 6 hours.  Definitely doable but the second trip was much easier, if that's an option for you & your group.  The drive from Eugene down to Bandon is a piece of cake.

[Edaw68]

Agree with Duffer.  I've done Chambers and Gamble, both are lots of fun.  But Chambers is a little better, especially since they redid the greens.   And much easier logistically with Bandon.

Edited November 3, 2020 by Edaw68

[Mustu]

Chambers used to be my favorite course in Washington state until I played Gamble Sands for the first time last month.  But, I'd play Chambers to save the additional drive time.

[kaschreiber]

What everyone said- do Chambers for the logistics. All other things being equal, I'd rather play at Gamble, but the 4+ hours in drive time make Chambers the play. Eastern WA has some sneaky good golf too and you could always save for another trip, although they're a bit spread out. Some combo of Gamble, Coeur d'Alene/Circling Raven (both in ID), Wine Valley, Palouse Ridge would be a fantastic trip, off the radar trip if you were willing to put in the miles. Lake Chelan in Eastern WA (45 minutes from Gamble) has some solid courses as well, albeit a notch below the others mentioned.

 

Probably the only thing to add that hasn't been mentioned is Chambers is walking only and probably a harder walk than any of the Bandon courses (I haven't played Sheep Ranch). Gamble is mandatory carts, so if you're looking to save your legs, keep that in mind, but given travel time and the ability to recharge you should be fine. Bandon Crossings isn't in the same class as either, but another fun course and a lot easier to navigate with travel than either of the WA courses.

Edited November 3, 2020 by kaschreiber

[2bGood]

Gamble is a fun course to play, but not a bucket list course by any means. It is kind of like the Muzak version of Bandon. It seems familiar and pleasant but is not as good as the original. You should play it if you pass through, but no need to go too far out of your way.

 

Chambers is a better course and way easier logistically to go play.

 

Having said all that - I would just play more at Bandon. Between the 7 course (the 5- 18, preserve and shorties) their is no shortage of world class golf and fun golf to be played and day to day or even am to pm the Bandon course can present way different challenges.

Edited November 4, 2020 by 2bGood

[bellken]

2 hours ago, kaschreiber said:

What everyone said- do Chambers for the logistics. All other things being equal, I'd rather play at Gamble, but the 4+ hours in drive time make Chambers the play. Eastern WA has some sneaky good golf too and you could always save for another trip, although they're a bit spread out. Some combo of Gamble, Coeur d'Alene/Circling Raven (both in ID), Wine Valley, Palouse Ridge would be a fantastic trip, off the radar trip if you were willing to put in the miles. Lake Chelan in Eastern WA (45 minutes from Gamble) has some solid courses as well, albeit a notch below the others mentioned.

 

Probably the only thing to add that hasn't been mentioned is Chambers is walking only and probably a harder walk than any of the Bandon courses (I haven't played Sheep Ranch). Gamble is mandatory carts, so if you're looking to save your legs, keep that in mind, but given travel time and the ability to recharge you should be fine. Bandon Crossings isn't in the same class as either, but another fun course and a lot easier to navigate with travel than either of the WA courses.

Carts are not mandatory at Gamble Sands. It is a fairly easy course to walk. As for Gamble Sands or Chambers Bay on the way to Bandon from Seattle, another vote for Chambers Bay. A detour to Gamble Sands is too far out of the way, if going to Bandon.

[Chanceman]

Lets say Chambers is the clear choice, and you then drive down the coast road to Bandon over two days. Where would you stop for another round en route? Gearhart, Salishan, Ocean Dunes ?? Any others to consider?

[Slippin_Jimmy]

I'm a big fan of Pumpkin Ridge, as long as that wouldn't take you too far out of the way.

[kaschreiber]

1 hour ago, bellken said:

Carts are not mandatory at Gamble Sands. It is a fairly easy course to walk. As for Gamble Sands or Chambers Bay on the way to Bandon from Seattle, another vote for Chambers Bay. A detour to Gamble Sands is too far out of the way, if going to Bandon.

Good to know, thanks. Every time I've been it hasn't even been a question, granted it's been in summer when temps are in the upper 90s. I could see it being an enjoyable walk in cooler temps.

[spud3]

1 hour ago, Chanceman said:

Lets say Chambers is the clear choice, and you then drive down the coast road to Bandon over two days. Where would you stop for another round en route? Gearhart, Salishan, Ocean Dunes ?? Any others to consider?

Gearhart, Florence Golf links, maybe Salishan.  That's about it for good courses between Seattle and Bandon.  There's lots of little 9-holers, but none are what I'd call gems.

 

I'm with 2bGood - spend the time at Bandon getting another round in there.

[MileHighGuye]

Interesting idea about just going in early and playing a couple extra rounds..

 

What's the best route of getting on Witch Hollow at Pumpkin Ridge?

[Slippin_Jimmy]

I'd defer to a local regarding getting on Witch Hollow, but I would definitely give Ghost Creek a highly favorable review.

[Mustu]

On 11/3/2020 at 2:51 PM, Chanceman said:

Lets say Chambers is the clear choice, and you then drive down the coast road to Bandon over two days. Where would you stop for another round en route? Gearhart, Salishan, Ocean Dunes ?? Any others to consider?

I played Florence Golf Links on way down and really enjoyed it.  As I recall it was only $25 as a twilight rate.  Best $25 I ever spent on golf.

[James the Hogan Fan]

On 11/4/2020 at 12:51 AM, Chanceman said:

Lets say Chambers is the clear choice, and you then drive down the coast road to Bandon over two days. Where would you stop for another round en route? Gearhart, Salishan, Ocean Dunes ?? Any others to consider?

 

I have only played Gearhart on that list and I'll tell you it was a lot of fun. I really liked the course. Felt sort of like a Shinnecock style in a way in that it was firm and fast and links-inspired, but still inland and with a bit more American parkland influence. I also happen to love the town of Seaside next door. If you're looking for an overnight stop on the coast drive, Seaside is great.

[spud3]

+1 on James' rec.

 

Seaside/Gearhart is a little less than half way between Seattle and Bandon, the course is very old school and recently renovated and very fun.  It's also the most Bandon-like (sand base, fast fairways, though tiny greens).  Seaside is a nice coast town, very much an east coast boardwalk kinda vibe. 

 

Salishan is the other option for a halfway-ish course, and it's mostly inland.  It's a resort, so more insular feeling, and a bit dated, but still nice.

 

Florence is a long haul from Seattle, and a very good course (Rees Jones design).  But you're only an hour and a half from Bandon, so that itinerary would be more like drive all day from Seattle to Florence and enjoy the trip, play Florence the next morning, then drive down to Bandon that afternoon.

 

Again, Ocean Dunes is a casino resort course (and not actually on the ocean, or even close), and not in the class of any of the other three.  It's also in Florence, and if you're going to play one round in Florence, it should be at the Florence Golf Links.

[Chanceman]

Likely 

Day 1 we will play Chambers Bay and stay near Tacoma,  

Day 2 drive to Seaside next morning (3 hours), play Gearhart in the PM, stay at Seaside,  

Day 3 drive to Florence AM (3  hours) and play there PM, stay overnight  

Day 4 drive to Bandon and play that afternoon.

 

We could probably go Tacoma to Florence in one hop but its a nice part of the world so we will take our time.

[duffer987]

8 hours ago, Chanceman said:

Likely 

Day 1 we will play Chambers Bay and stay near Tacoma,  

Day 2 drive to Seaside next morning (3 hours), play Gearhart in the PM, stay at Seaside,  

Day 3 drive to Florence AM (3  hours) and play there PM, stay overnight  

Day 4 drive to Bandon and play that afternoon.

 

We could probably go Tacoma to Florence in one hop but its a nice part of the world so we will take our time.

You don't have to play everyday 😉 Especially as the coast and a bit inland has lots of good outdoorsy things to do if interested.

That said, Florence being so close to Bandon I'd just keep driving if I was keen on playing that day.

 

[MileHighGuye]

Here is a really cool video on Gearhart I found...

 

[James the Hogan Fan]

On 11/12/2020 at 10:33 AM, Chanceman said:

Likely 

Day 1 we will play Chambers Bay and stay near Tacoma,  

Day 2 drive to Seaside next morning (3 hours), play Gearhart in the PM, stay at Seaside,  

Day 3 drive to Florence AM (3  hours) and play there PM, stay overnight  

Day 4 drive to Bandon and play that afternoon.

 

We could probably go Tacoma to Florence in one hop but its a nice part of the world so we will take our time.

 

When I last stayed in Seaside we stayed at a hotel called the Ebb Tide Oceanside. Good hotel, a bit off the main street though. Activities possible in Seaside (in non covid time) include beach bonfires, arcade, mini-golf... it is your classic oceanside tourist town, basically everything your inner 10 year old requires. In normal times I'd recommend you leave time that evening to have a night on the town.

[spud3]

Breakfast at Pig'n'Pancake in Seaside.  Sourdough pancakes...mmmm....

[lysagrey]

Thank you for the share. It is useful for sure.