Want to play two of America’s best golf courses at Washington’s No. 1 golf resort? Here’s how we’d do it.

There’s a reason golf groups circle the calendar for a golf trip to Gamble Sands. Set above the Columbia River just outside Brewster, Washington, the resort delivers that rare combination of big-course drama, laid-back vibes and seamless hospitality that makes planning easy. Looking for the ideal stay-and-play for a group of any size?

Start with the golf. Your group can rotate between David McLay Kidd’s original Gamble Sands course and the bold, windswept contours of Scarecrow. Both layouts offer wide fairways, firm turf and panoramic views that keep every match lively from the first tee to the final putt.

Want to get warmed up in the morning, settle a tie after your round or squeeze in a sunset loop? Quicksands, our 14-hole short course from DMK Design, is perfect for friendly skins games, closest-to-the-pin contests or a casual walk with a pull cart and a beverage in hand.

Here’s what we’d suggest for a three-night, four-day getaway to get the full Gamble Sands experience:

ARRIVAL DAY
Find your way to the resort around noon and play your first late-afternoon round on Gamble Sands, followed by casual dinner and drinks in The Barn. And then head down to the Cascades putting course for some sunset putting if you have enough daylight.

DAY 2
Hit Quicksands for some early links-golf short-game prep, then hit The Barn again for lunch (pizzas, sandwiches and more) before battling Scarecrow. Finish the evening with dinner at Danny Boy overlooking Gamble Sands’ 18th green and the dusk-painted mountains in the distance. Gather around the table and let the camaraderie roll while sharing appetizers, local wine and stories from the day.

DAY 3
Let’s Play Two. This is the day you go all-in with 36 holes in whichever order you prefer. Scarecrow in the morning, Gamble Sands in the afternoon? Or vice-versa. And don’t forget to stops at each of the The Outposts — located just after Hole 9 on Scarecrow and Hole 10 on Gamble Sands. The Barn, Cascades and fire pits are all waiting for you and friends to cap off the night.

DEPARTURE DAY
Book a farewell morning round on whichever course intrigues you more, then say goodbye to The Barn with one more meal before hitting the road back to Seattle, Spokane or destinations beyond.

Of course, the connector to all this golf, food and fun is the Inn at Gamble Sands. River View rooms (Single Kings, Double Queens or King Suites) in the original building overlook the mighty Columbia, while the Golf View Double Kings offer expansive views of Scarecrow, recently named Best New Public Course in America by Golf Digest.

At Gamble Sands, the formula is simple: great golf, great food, great company — all in one unforgettable stay-and-play escape. And we’re accepting reservations for the 2026 season (April-October) and 2027 as well, so it’s time to build your golf getaway today. Check out our 2026 Availability blog post now.

PLAN YOUR TRIP