Gamble Sands to break ground for course, resort expansion

BREWSTER – The next evolution for the Gamble Sands golf course and destination resort will involve a near-doubling in size through the addition of a second, still-unnamed 18-hole course, expanded lodging facilities, and a new restaurant.
The new project, announced in a story in GolfWeek magazine earlier this month and confirmed by Gamble Sands sources, will be built on Gebbers family agricultural land just north of the 18-hole Sands and 14-hole Quicksands courses.
David McLay Kidd, owner of DMK Golf Design in Bend, Oregon, and designer of the Sands and Quicksands courses, has once again signed on for the new undertaking. While many details remain unknown at this writing Kidd revealed that permits have been secured and construction starting points determined for work scheduled to break ground later this fall. Expected completion of the new expansion is summer 2025.
The location of the new course west of Sands Trail Road will feature the same panoramic view of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains enjoyed by guests at the original resort.
The Gebbers family began considering a golf venture well over a decade before they finally had the consulting and design team assembled to pull the trigger on Gamble Sands’ construction in 2012.
“The plan was to start small, building the best golf possible and grow from there,” said Project Manager Tory Wulf. “The worry was if the golf was good enough to bring people over and keep them coming.”
That concern put to rest, Wulf said that lodging is the biggest key to the momentum the resort now has. That’s why the facilities at the Inn at Gamble Sands will be expanded from its current 37 rooms to 73.
“By having on-site accommodations people are able to enjoy the property and relax,” said Wulf. “The views from the Inn are special and we as locals take it for granted but the visitors really love it.”