In addition to Scarecrow, the resort’s next chapter includes an array of amenities

By Jeff Brooke

Gamble Sands has always had a kind of magnetic charm — a place where expansive horizons and modern links golf conjure feelings of adventure and discovery.
But in 2025, it’s feeling even more complete.

The most obvious development is the much-anticipated addition this summer of Scarecrow, the resort’s second 18-hole golf course, adding to the spectacular golf offerings of the original Gamble Sands course, the 14-hole Quicksands short course and the river-view Cascade putting course.

But it doesn’t stop there. This year, the northeastern Washington resort is adding an impressive list of features that enhance not just the golf but also the entire guest experience.
From double the lodging to a charming trolley that will shuttle guests around the property, the additions bring the decade-old resort’s vision sharper into focus.
What started as one course on a bluff above the Columbia River is now a full-fledged destination — and one that’s evolving from hidden gem to heavyweight, from the Pacific Northwest market to the national scene.

General Manager Blake Froling sums it up best: “We’ve become the best in our region. Now we’re aiming to be on par with anyone, anywhere. All these little things add up.”

Here’s a look at the upgrades coming on stream this year:

New Hotel Rooms

Opening in June, the Inn at Gamble Sands expands with 40 new rooms featuring views of Scarecrow — the resort’s most significant lodging expansion to date, more than doubling capacity. Designed with both groups and individual travelers in mind, each room offers two king beds, maximizing flexibility for guests who may want to bunk up or spread out. The feel is modern but clean, with carefully chosen furnishings and a thoughtful layout that puts function first, even in the bathroom area, where the sink and shower areas are separated for privacy and efficiency with golf travelers in mind. The new hotel’s five buildings, with eight rooms apiece, echo the existing lodge’s rustic-modern style.

Putting Course & Backyard Games

The original putting course, just steps from the River View units of the Inn at Gamble Sands, became an unexpected hit. And why wouldn’t it? The 100,000-square-foot Cascade putting green designed by David McLay Kidd is not only loads of fun but has become a relaxed gathering point.

“People come for golf but leave talking about putting barefoot with a drink in hand,” Froling says. The new lodging area will have its own putting course — this one lit for evening fun — along with other activities such as bocce, cornhole and horseshoes. While the green likely won’t be fully playable until 2026, the vibe will be in place this season and give visitors a taste of what’s to come.

Trolley Shuttle System

In true Gamble Sands fashion, even the shuttle isn’t standard issue. A vintage Mr. Rogers-style trolley salvaged from a nearby brewery will begin moving guests and their golf bags around the property in August, making the loop between the main complex of Golf Shop and Restaurants to the River View Rooms and then up the road to Scarecrow and the Golf View Rooms. The trolley seats 15 and adds just the right dash of quirky charm. Ding, ding.

New Entry Road

Scarecrow and the Inn at Gamble Sands expansion are the big new draws this year, but guests must get to them first. A repaved three-quarter-mile entry road now greets guests with a smoother, more scenic arrival — one that purposefully winds past orchards and cows before opening to a dramatic reveal of Scarecrow on one side and Quicksands on the other. The road was designed intentionally for flow and effect. “You come around the bend, and suddenly it hits you — you’re somewhere special,” says Froling.

Electric Carts and EV Chargers

Gamble Sands may be walkable, but carts are part of the experience for many golfers — and a game-changer for those who don’t care to walk 36, or even 18. This year brings a fleet of 144 sleek new almond-colored E-Z-GO carts with stitched leather seats and upgraded features, a standard in keeping with the rest of the resort. Also debuting for guests who arrive in their own electric vehicles: Four new EV chargers on property, with more planned as demand grows.

Staging Area and Path Upgrades

To accommodate Scarecrow(opening Aug. 1), the resort is rethinking how golfers flow through its staging zones. Cart paths, signage and loading areas will evolve throughout the season based on real-time feedback, with a goal of optimizing for guest comfort and operational efficiency.

Internet, TV and Mobile Check-In

Behind the scenes, one of the biggest projects was bringing high-speed fiber internet to the resort. It’s the kind of upgrade guests might not notice — until it’s not there. A new hotel-grade TV interface curates channels and resort info, and the new mobile app allows for texting with staff and contactless check-ins.

Buffets at The Barn and Danny Boy

Gamble Sands will now offer breakfast and dinner buffets by utilizing The Barn and the Danny Boy restaurant. “It just gives people flexibility,” Froling says. “You’re here with a group of eight or 12 and not everyone’s on the same schedule. The buffet lets people do their own thing.” Watch for announcements on the timing of these and other new food-and-beverage options later in the summer.

A Thoughtful Approach to Staffing

And let’s finish with an important upgrade this season that isn’t infrastructure. “The lifeblood of Gamble Sands is the staff,” Froling says. “We’ve worked hard over the last few years to hire the right people — before the big changes came.” With the opening of Scarecrow plus a broader, national market on the horizon, Gamble Sands prioritized building a team capable of delivering high-end hospitality at scale. “A great resort experience hinges on human connection,” he adds. Gamble Sands has the right team in place to make that happen.