Amidst the Emergence of the Scarecrow, Controversy Erupts at America's Latest Golf Haven
In the heart of Washington's agricultural land, Gamble Sands Resort has expanded its golfing offerings with the official opening of its second championship course, Scarecrow. The resort, located approximately four hours from Seattle and two hours from Spokane, has already made a name for itself with its original Sands Course, and Scarecrow promises to deliver a distinct and challenging experience.
David McLay Kidd, the designer of the very first course at Bandon Dunes, was the mastermind behind Scarecrow's creation. Kidd, who has stayed true to a single vision with architect David McLay Kidd and his team at Gamble Sands, has crafted a course that is described as the "twisted sister" of the original Sands course. Scarecrow occupies a more compelling landscape, offering a shot-maker's test that makes full use of the property's natural elevation changes and dramatic topography.
The power lines that initially cut through the Scarecrow site were relocated, allowing for the construction of Scarecrow at a cost of around $250,000. The course offers speed slots, blind shots, punchbowl greens, and holes that boomerang around or play over massive waste areas.
One of the standout features of Scarecrow is the 10th hole, a strong contender for the finest hole on the entire property, a par 4 that swoops downhill towards the river. The halfway house on the 10th hole captures magnificent vistas. The 11th hole plays to a picturesque green squeezed onto a peninsula ridge that's in view from the Inn at Gamble Sands and its Cascades putting course.
McLay Kidd has also designed other golfing attractions at Gamble Sands, including Quicksands, a fun-filled 14-hole par-3 course, and the Cascades putting course, a 100,000-square-foot roller coaster of a layout.
Gamble Sands has soared to No. 31 in Golf Digest's ranking of America's 100 greatest public courses. Both the original Sands Course and the new Scarecrow Course are highly regarded, each offering a unique experience. The Sands Course is praised for its surprising shot opportunities and inventive design, while Scarecrow is seen as a tougher, more elevated layout that introduces bold green complexes and a fresh experience that challenges players with tighter shots and dramatic elevation changes.
However, reviews suggest that preference may depend on individual taste for style and difficulty rather than clear superiority. Golfers and critics tend to consider both courses as complementary rather than ranking one definitively above the other. With the addition of Scarecrow, Gamble Sands now offers 50 holes of championship golf, transforming it into one of America's most compelling national golf getaways.
[1] Golf Digest. (2025). America's 100 Greatest Public Courses. Retrieved from https://www.golfdigest.com/course-rankings/americas-100-greatest-public-courses [2] Golf Advisor. (2023). Gamble Sands Resort Review. Retrieved from https://www.golfadvisor.com/reviews/gamble-sands-resort/washington/5743887 [3] GolfWeek. (2025). Scarecrow Course at Gamble Sands: A New Challenge in the Pacific Northwest. Retrieved from https://www.golfweek.com/courses/us-canada/scarecrow-course-gamble-sands-washington [4] Golf.com. (2025). Scarecrow Course at Gamble Sands: A Bold New Layout in Washington State. Retrieved from https://www.golf.com/courses/golf-course-reviews/scarecrow-course-gamble-sands-washington-state/ [5] Travel + Leisure. (2023). The Ultimate Guide to Gamble Sands Resort. Retrieved from https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/golf/the-ultimate-guide-to-gamble-sands-resort-washington-state
Gamble Sands Resort's new golf course, Scarecrow, designed by David McLay Kidd, has opened and promises a distinct and challenging experience, making Gamble Sands a top lifestyle and sports travel destination for golf enthusiasts seeking destination golf. With the addition of Scarecrow, Gamble Sands now offers 50 holes of championship golf, rivaling other national golf getaways, and is ranked No. 31 in Golf Digest's ranking of America's 100 greatest public courses.
