One of the courses that was on our bucket list for this summer was the “Bandon Dunes of the Northwest” – Gamble Sands in Brewster Washington. When looking at scheduling the course, and after playing the courses at Bandon multiple time, it was interesting to see that the same architect that designed Bandon also designed Gamble Sands. Currently there is a single 18-hole course, the Sands Course, as well as a 14-hole par 3 course, Quicksands, that was fantastic to play. You will only need about 4 clubs to play Quicksands, whatever you hit about 150 yards, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, and your putter. It is a great way to prepare you for playing the Sands Course and spend a lazy afternoon. Additionally, if you are staying at the Inn, there is an 18-hole putting course just in front of the Inn called the Cascades Putting Course. If you have been to Bandon and played the Punch Bowl at Pacific Dunes, this is very similar with the exception of it is flatter and has beautiful views of the Columbia River with the sun setting to the west later in the evening. As for other amenities, the Inn rooms are fantastic and set up for golfers with plenty of room, along with two eating establishments, the Barn and Danny Boy. The Barn is more for food and drinks before or after playing your rounds. Danny Boy is more of a sit-down dinning establishment. Both serve very good food choices and drinks. Danny Boy can get busy so it is best to get a reservation for those nights you want to eat on site. One option that was recommended to us for lunch / dinner was a vineyard called Lone Point Cellars, https://www.lonepointcellars.com/. It was a great setting up above the Columbia River looking down over the orchards that are all around the area. They have both inside and outside seating. We preferred outside and it was amazing. They have different types of seating, regular and swing type seating. The swing type benches are very cool and have the best view. Additionally, the food and service were fantastic and the wine is very good. Again, call for dinner reservations as there is limited seating and it does get busy.
Overall, it was a great track to play and I look forward to returning next year when they open up their second course and playing both.
Course Price – 
Course Condition – Birdie
Course Amenities – Birdie
Course Personnel – Eagle
Overall Course Rating – Birdie
