Gamble Sands (best two course destination?)

[ThermalDan]

Just got back from an overnight at Gamble Sands.  Played Gamble Sands on Day 1 with the intent of playing Quicksands (short course) after, but the skies opened up, plus the NCAA Championship was on.  Did manage to roll some putts on the Cascades putting course though.  Next morning got a tour of the new Scarecrow course before playing another 18 holes.  Here's a few thoughts:

 

It took me a few swings to get used to the perfect conditions in the fairways.  After a wet, soggy winter in the NW, I wasn't prepared for the tight lies.  Course was in great shape.  It has just opened back up after the winter closure, so be realistic, but much better than last year at this time.  The course is fun!  Strongest winds I've experienced at the resort.  So many of the holes out there leave you with the thought, "I want to go back to the tee and try another strategy".  Not necessarily because you failed at the tack you took, but because you want to try something different.

 

Scarecrow - Wow!  The practice green lets you know that the greens are going to be quite different that those at the original course.  I don't want to give away too much, but this will definitely be a course you want to play several times on your visit.  I've been trying to come up with a comparable course for it, and I just can't.  It has a feel of its own.  You'll still get some of the river views that the original course has, but much of the day, your focus will be solely on the hole itself.  So much land movement and strategy to soak in.  

 

I don't know if its hyperbole to say this will be the best public 36 hole facility, but it should be in the discussion.  Pronghorn?  Fazio is so much better than Nicklaus.  Prairie Club?  Maybe.  Torrey Pines?  Not what I'm looking for in a destination.  I haven't been to Cabot Citrus or Cabot Cape Breton, but I said, "in the discussion" 😉.  Two fun courses, great short course, putting course is awesome.  Only drawbacks I see are practice area isn't much, but you're here to play, not work.  Some will argue the prices, but remember the course is only open 6-7 months a year.  The biggest drawback has to be no real options for a morning latte.  I even drove back to Brewster and the coffee stand in town was closed.  Can't wait to go back in September for three days.  We're also booked for our 32man tournament in 2026.

 

The old Keiser quote certainly applies at Gamble, "one course is a curiosity, two is a destination"!

Edited April 9 by ThermalDan

[Pnwpingi210]

23 hours ago, ThermalDan said:

Just got back from an overnight at Gamble Sands.  Played Gamble Sands on Day 1 with the intent of playing Quicksands (short course) after, but the skies opened up, plus the NCAA Championship was on.  Did manage to roll some putts on the Cascades putting course though.  Next morning got a tour of the new Scarecrow course before playing another 18 holes.  Here's a few thoughts:

 

It took me a few swings to get used to the perfect conditions in the fairways.  After a wet, soggy winter in the NW, I wasn't prepared for the tight lies.  Course was in great shape.  It has just opened back up after the winter closure, so be realistic, but much better than last year at this time.  The course is fun!  Strongest winds I've experienced at the resort.  So many of the holes out there leave you with the thought, "I want to go back to the tee and try another strategy".  Not necessarily because you failed at the tack you took, but because you want to try something different.

 

Scarecrow - Wow!  The practice green lets you know that the greens are going to be quite different that those at the original course.  I don't want to give away too much, but this will definitely be a course you want to play several times on your visit.  I've been trying to come up with a comparable course for it, and I just can't.  It has a feel of its own.  You'll still get some of the river views that the original course has, but much of the day, your focus will be solely on the hole itself.  So much land movement and strategy to soak in.  

 

I don't know if its hyperbole to say this will be the best public 36 hole facility, but it should be in the discussion.  Pronghorn?  Fazio is so much better than Nicklaus.  Prairie Club?  Maybe.  Torrey Pines?  Not what I'm looking for in a destination.  I haven't been to Cabot Citrus or Cabot Cape Breton, but I said, "in the discussion" 😉.  Two fun courses, great short course, putting course is awesome.  Only drawbacks I see are practice area isn't much, but you're here to play, not work.  Some will argue the prices, but remember the course is only open 6-7 months a year.  The biggest drawback has to be no real options for a morning latte.  I even drove back to Brewster and the coffee stand in town was closed.  Can't wait to go back in September for three days.  We're also booked for our 32man tournament in 2026.

 

The old Keiser quote certainly applies at Gamble, "one course is a curiosity, two is a destination"!

I think for gamble to become a great destination course (nationwide attraction) it’s going to need more than 36 holes and or more a resort feel.  It’s a good destination course for those that live in Washington state but not much outside of that.   If they continue to increase their prices like they have the last 3-5 years they are really going to need to up there customer service experience.

 

It’s main attraction is its pretty accessible meaning I’ve never not been able to get a tee time, but I always walk away thinking did I get what I payed for compared to playing - similar course and turf like chambers bay?

 

[ThermalDan]

I wasn’t trying to create click-bait.  But was certainly hoping to generate some “non-Bandon” discussion.  Thanks for your thoughts!

 

Gamble has a long way to go before it gets compared to some true destinations, but Scarecrow is going to raise some eyebrows (probably some in a negative way by those who choose to pick it apart😆)

Edited April 10 by ThermalDan

[kaschreiber]

1 hour ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I think for gamble to become a great destination course (nationwide attraction) it’s going to need more than 36 holes and or more a resort feel.  It’s a good destination course for those that live in Washington state but not much outside of that.   If they continue to increase their prices like they have the last 3-5 years they are really going to need to up there customer service experience.

 

It’s main attraction is its pretty accessible meaning I’ve never not been able to get a tee time, but I always walk away thinking did I get what I payed for compared to playing - similar course and turf like chambers bay?

 

I think you hit the nail on the head - the golf course (Sands course, haven't played Scarecrow) - is great. All the other stuff around it needs work if they want to be the premier golf destination in the state. crappy Pinnacle range balls on a range that tops out at like 12 people, I've never actually seen a drink cart so wait til you get to hole 10 for a drink if you didn't load up, I think it was $9 12 oz beers last time I was there (but buy 5 get 6!), the fact the replay rate is still $175+ in the summer (you save like ~$50 on the replay), etc. Golf isn't the question imo, it's all the rough edges when you're not on the golf course that always frustrate me personally. 

[Pnwpingi210]

1 hour ago, ThermalDan said:

I wasn’t trying to create click-bait.  But was certainly hoping to generate some “non-Bandon” discussion.  Thanks for your thoughts!

 

Gamble has a long way to go before it gets compared to some true destinations, but Scarecrow is going to raise some eyebrows (probably some in a negative way by those who choose to pick it apart😆)

I didn’t mention bandon - I’m not a huge bandon fan for the price and the difficulty in booking - but frankly gamble is not comparison to that from a course or destination experience perspective.

 

I look forward to scarecrow opening late summer.  The other nit I have with gamble is is the sands course is rather boring.  Extremely wide fairways that keep your ball running toward the green, large greens that sit in a bowl.  There are some gimmicky blind tee shots and the fact it looks like a link course on a mars makes it a great visually interesting contrast, but not that interesting for golf.

 

Wine valley is a better golf experience in my opinion.  Better course more engaging, way better pricing, and better food/drink option off course availability locally (not much but atleast something).  Gambles one advantage is there are a couple other courses nearby you can play if you want to for a 3-4 day trip.

Edited April 10 by Pnwpingi210

[Pnwpingi210]

9 minutes ago, kaschreiber said:

I think you hit the nail on the head - the golf course (Sands course, haven't played Scarecrow) - is great. All the other stuff around it needs work if they want to be the premier golf destination in the state. crappy Pinnacle range balls on a range that tops out at like 12 people, I've never actually seen a drink cart so wait til you get to hole 10 for a drink if you didn't load up, I think it was $9 12 oz beers last time I was there (but buy 5 get 6!), the fact the replay rate is still $175+ in the summer (you save like ~$50 on the replay), etc. Golf isn't the question imo, it's all the rough edges when you're not on the golf course that always frustrate me personally. 

Yup.  Premium price, not premium experience.   

[ThermalDan]

I think Scarecrow opening is going to change the perception of Gamble Sands as a destination.  It’s going to still hurt from the  angle of, “if I’m going all that way, I’ll just go to Bandon instead”.  As a relatively close golfer, it will be a more frequent visit now

[Pnwpingi210]

38 minutes ago, ThermalDan said:

I think Scarecrow opening is going to change the perception of Gamble Sands as a destination.  It’s going to still hurt from the  angle of, “if I’m going all that way, I’ll just go to Bandon instead”.  As a relatively close golfer, it will be a more frequent visit now

Yeah.  I don’t think most anyone is going to visit from out of state to play gamble with or without scarecrow.
 

I hear more people say if I’m going to drive all that way I’ll go to chambers/home course deal or wine valley over gamble.  Maybe they will pull more of those types, but I don’t really consider instate golfers traveling to another in state location for a 36 hole track as destination golf….

 

edit: I’ll add I think it’s a good value for the local who get to play it for 100ish or less, drive there in 45 mins or less, and eat their own food before and after round.  That might make it a great 36 hole setup for locals….

Edited April 10 by Pnwpingi210

[Wardonation]

3 hours ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I think for gamble to become a great destination course (nationwide attraction) it’s going to need more than 36 holes and or more a resort feel.  It’s a good destination course for those that live in Washington state but not much outside of that.   If they continue to increase their prices like they have the last 3-5 years they are really going to need to up there customer service experience.

 

It’s main attraction is its pretty accessible meaning I’ve never not been able to get a tee time, but I always walk away thinking did I get what I payed for compared to playing - similar course and turf like chambers bay?

 

agree with this 100%... I miss the Bandon days with Oregon DL winter rates of $55 lol...

[Pnwpingi210]

1 minute ago, Wardonation said:

agree with this 100%... I miss the Bandon days with Oregon DL winter rates of $55 lol...

Yup.  
 

Bandon and gamble aren’t in the same convo.

 

its (gamble) more comparable to a Silvies ranch’s.  Silvies is a little bit more expensive, but man you walk away thinking this is special.

[Wardonation]

1 minute ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

Yup.  
 

Bandon and gamble aren’t in the same convo.

 

its (gamble) more comparable to a Silvies ranch’s.  Silvies is a little bit more expensive, but man you walk away thinking this is special.

For me it is Silvies all day but Dan Hixon is a good buddy of mine and love his designs. He actually had me at Silvies hitting from the "back tees" before they opened as he was working on placement of the back tees. The problem with Silives IMO is the price but such a fun trip.

[Pnwpingi210]

2 minutes ago, Wardonation said:

For me it is Silvies all day but Dan Hixon is a good buddy of mine and love his designs. He actually had me at Silvies hitting from the "back tees" before they opened as he was working on placement of the back tees. The problem with Silives IMO is the price but such a fun trip.

Yeah.

 

It sits in between the obscene bandon costs (just go to Scotland???) and the cost of gamble.  But for the incremental cost difference of Silvies over gamble, agree Silvies all day.

 

 

[PNW]

3 hours ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I think for gamble to become a great destination course (nationwide attraction) it’s going to need more than 36 holes and or more a resort feel.  It’s a good destination course for those that live in Washington state but not much outside of that.   If they continue to increase their prices like they have the last 3-5 years they are really going to need to up there customer service experience.

 

It’s main attraction is its pretty accessible meaning I’ve never not been able to get a tee time, but I always walk away thinking did I get what I payed for compared to playing - similar course and turf like chambers bay?

 

Totally agree with this as well. Just got back from Bandon a couple weeks ago for my second time there and will be at Gamble in late August for my second time. "Rough around the edges" is fair criticism of the Gamble experience and service. Bandon is pricey but at least they do replay rates. Gamble didn't offer them last May for us. Plus, Bandon service is always great. 

 

I'll be looking forward to seeing if Scarecrow is more interesting than Sands course because several of the greens are gimmicky. It's nice that there are a few additional courses nearby to piggyback on for the trip but they were both (Bear Mountain and Desert Canyon) not worth prioritizing. 

 

I really need to do the Walla Walla and Pullman trip though. 

[Wardonation]

3 minutes ago, PNW said:

Totally agree with this as well. Just got back from Bandon a couple weeks ago for my second time there and will be at Gamble in late August for my second time. "Rough around the edges" is fair criticism of the Gamble experience and service. Bandon is pricey but at least they do replay rates. Gamble didn't offer them last May for us. Plus, Bandon service is always great. 

 

I'll be looking forward to seeing if Scarecrow is more interesting than Sands course because several of the greens are gimmicky. It's nice that there are a few additional courses nearby to piggyback on for the trip but they were both (Bear Mountain and Desert Canyon) not worth prioritizing. 

 

I really need to do the Walla Walla and Pullman trip though. 

Wine Valley is my favorite that Dan has done for sure.

[ThermalDan]

All the publications I've seen have Chambers and Gamble as top 2 public in the state with Wine Valley 3rd.  Whichever of those you have as your favorite makes perfect sense to me.  I have full belief that Scarecrow will make this a 4-way conversation for best in the state, just depends on what you look for.  

[MongoSmash]

I don’t get all the slights on Gamble. I loved it! It’s possibly my favorite non-ocean view property in the world. Tobacco Road and it are probably my top 2. 
 

I kind of like that it isn’t the circus/factory that Bandon has become. 

[kaschreiber]

15 hours ago, MongoSmash said:

I don’t get all the slights on Gamble. I loved it! It’s possibly my favorite non-ocean view property in the world. Tobacco Road and it are probably my top 2. 
 

I kind of like that it isn’t the circus/factory that Bandon has become. 

 

I don't think anyone really slights the course, unless they just call out that it's too easy. Which, depending on where you draw the line between "too easy" and "a lot of fun" opinions will vary (I stray towards the latter as a 10 hcp). A majority of the criticism centers on everything not on the course. Which in spots is still really good - the lodging is a good blend of not being anything you don't need but has what you do need, having The Cascades right behind the condos is great, the little firepit / pool area, I really like the addition of Quick Sands, etc. There are just rough edges on the hospitality side and if they want to be the top golf destination in WA and start to attract people from elsewhere, there are other options that offer a lot more in that regard imo

[StudentGolfer4]

Forest Dunes in Michigan could be in the running for 36 hole facility but I guess it depends on if you count The Loop as 1 or 2 courses. (I count it as 2.) Pair it with the 10 hole par 3 and putting course and it’s tough to beat. They’re building another full 18 so soon they won’t be in this discussion though b
 

Arcadia Bluffs needs to be mentioned as well with their 2 courses. They’re expanding with a 12? hole course this year though. 
 

French Lick is public. 36 holes on two very different and good courses. 
 

Can’t speak to any of the Cabot courses. 
 

They’re a little step down from the courses mentioned above and you won’t find them on top 100 lists but Troon North and We-Ko-Pa are both great 36 hole facilities. The Purdue courses, Kampen and Ackerman are very good too. 

[ThermalDan]

Forest Dunes was the first destination I thought of as "two courses", but I qualify it as three already as well.

I think Arcadia is spectacular with their two varied courses, but they are a good distance apart.  I imagine that matters to some?

We-Ko-Pa is great!  Love the Saguaro, but the Cholla felt like so many other courses.

Is there much variety between the two Troon courses? Boulders? TPC? Grayhawk? Whirlwind?

Haven't been to French Lick, but the Ross course interests me a lot.

 

Is Gamble Sands going to be the best two course destination?  Probably not, but there will be people that love it!

 

A great aspect of golf is that everyone can have their own qualifications for what they look for in an every day course, in a bucket list destination, in a two course destination.  I want something I can't find at my home course, I want fun, I want the ball to interact with the ground.  

 

Once Forest Dunes is done with their 4th course, I think N Michigan moves up to top 3 on my destination list for that and Arcadia.  If one of you can get me out on Crystal Downs, it's #1!

 

Thanks for commenting everyone, I enjoy reading your thoughts.  Should we get a Gearhart thread going?  Can't believe no one talks about that gem.

[Mcgeeno]

We did Gamble a few times years ago on our yearly trip from Canada to Washington.

 

The last time there I want to say the wife and paid about 1k Canadian to play? I remember handing my card and thinking "wow I think I've been priced out of this experience now"

 

The first times were reasonably priced, we stayed there messed around on the putting green and enjoyed it for a night or two. The course is a lot of fun. But I dont believe they have ironed out the kinks/rough edges to justify the premium price.

 

Our last trip to that side of Washington last year we spent about 1/4 the price playing Bear Mountain Ranch, Desert Canyon (And essentially rented a pimp villa type room there) and a couple in/around Spokane.

 

Next time we will replay Palouse and Wine Valley. 

[jkody]

I live within driving distance of Gamble and would really like to get out there but the lodging options are a huge turn off. They need multiple-bedroom suites. I am too old to share a regular hotel room with someone for more than one night.

 

Forest Dunes does this well--four bedroom en suites with a common area. Bizarre that Gamble hasn't figured this out. It seems so easy. Hell, they could even share bathrooms between two bedrooms, just give me a little privacy to sleep.