Fore the Love of Golf: Part 2 - A Winning Gamble

By
Education & Training with Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.

"Golf is not a game of striving for all perfect shots. It is a game of minimizing bad shots." 

Gamble Sands Golf Courses are located in Brewster, Washington just 75 miles north of Wenatchee.

State and National Accolades
Named the #1 Public golf course in Washington State and #19 on the list of golf courses in the United States, Gamble Sands Golf Course is a place for golfers to enjoy the feeling of a unique golf experience with panoramic vistas. It offers views of the beautiful Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, meandering through the distance on every hole.

Hiding In Plain Site
You won't experience any planes buzzing overhead, or traffic noises in the background. It's you, your playing partners, and golf in a tranquil setting. It's a hidden gem. You'd probably never stumble upon it unless you know where you're going. Even when you have directions, you won't be sure you're going in the right direction the first time you go. Just follow the directions and keep your eyes peeled for signs.

Three Courses, One Resort
There are 3 distinctly different courses at the Gamble Sands Golf Resort. There is the full-sized 18-hole "Sands" course, a 14-hole Par 3 course called the "Quicksand", and a challenging putting course. I haven't played either the Quicksand or the Putting Course, so I can't give a review on those. I have played the Sands course 3 times, and let me advise you for the first time you play it, be sure to play with someone who has played it before. It's a course that requires course knowledge, or you'll end up in some nasty bunkers and maybe even get lost between holes. The bunkers are not your friend. You'll probably end up in a few bunkers anyway, but less so if you have someone to give you some pointers on what to avoid.

Let's Talk Money
I might also add it's not an inexpensive course to play. The current open rates are listed at $242. Thankfully, one of our local Country Club members is related to the family who owns the Resort, so she gets us a special rate twice a year.

Lodging & Food Available:
Since Gamble Sands is located a bit off the beaten track, it's convenient to have a full restaurant and accommodations available onsite. 

Don't Take My Word For It: Outside Testimonials
"Don't let the travel time discourage you. The course is well worth it. The fairways are perfectly groomed and the greens are even better. The entire layout of the course is genius. The risk/reward is 10/10. Definitely a course worth playing at any level of experience. I played the course last fall and wish I had more time to play it again. I'll make this an annual golf outing, and I'm sure you will want to do the same."   -8Zcvr

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"Massive rolling fairways, enormous greens, & vistas of the Three Rivers confluence framed by the N Cascade Mountain Range all combine for an unparrelled Golf Experience!"  - u00000681098

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"It was definitely more fun than any round I have played this year!!"  -lovebirds55

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This is my second entry into the ActiveRain September Challenge hosted by Dr. Paula McDonald and Kathy Streib.

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"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

Comments (15)

Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Carol Williams  you should be hanging out with Kathy Schowe  and you guys could play for points or money:)Endre

Sep 13, 2023 11:00 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. 
Kathy Showe and I haven't managed to connect yet. Maybe this coming winter.

Sep 14, 2023 05:34 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Golf is such a fun sport and I really enjoyed playing it daily back in the day!  I don't know if I will ever take it up again, but if I did, it would have to be when I have more free time on my hands, haha.

Sep 14, 2023 05:08 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Brian England 
You could add it as another business networking opportunity. I got lots of business from my golf contacts. 😊

Sep 14, 2023 05:34 AM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

The Gamble Sands Golf Courses sound interesting! I love that it's not that easy to find.

Sep 14, 2023 05:16 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Kat Palmiotti 
It's one of those course you can score really well IF you stay in the fairway. The bunkers will eat up your score very quickly.

Sep 14, 2023 05:38 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Carol. Sounds like a tranquil place to play golf. In my playing days, I did try to avoid bad shots with little success, ha, ha! Enjoy your day.

Sep 14, 2023 05:33 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Wayne Martin 
It's definitely a fun place to play out away from the typical noises of the environment.

Sep 14, 2023 05:39 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Carol... another wonderful golfing venue for you to enjoy reasonably close to Wenatchee. An embarrassment of riches, I could say!

Sep 14, 2023 05:43 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker 
You're sure right about that! I haven't even scratched the surface of potential day trip opportunities for an excellent golf experience.

Sep 14, 2023 05:49 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Carol Williams Your love of golf can be felt.  There is so much beauty in nature on most golf courses.  

Reading this reminded me that I have yet to start on my posts for this challenge. I better get on it! 

Sep 14, 2023 10:05 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 
Even during a less than stellar game, I can enjoy the surroundings. 

Sep 15, 2023 05:11 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Carol, I bet you do find all "out of the way" golf courses.   Have no idea how much it costs to play golf, but that does seem really high!   It would be good to enjoy the serenity of the course.

Sep 14, 2023 10:24 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Joan Cox ,
It is more expensive than I usually pay, even with the discount but worth it a couple of times a year.

Sep 15, 2023 05:12 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

"Golf is not a game of striving for all perfect shots. It is a game of minimizing bad shots.

This is so true Carol.   Gamble Sands sounds like a awesome place to play and take a caddy who knows the course.  Sure don't want to get lost in the bunkers!  Very cool series!

Sep 14, 2023 01:51 PM
Carol Williams

Hey Anna "Banana" Kruchten 
You wouldn't get lost in the bunkers but in and out of them can be a challenge. A few of them have stairs for access, like some of the links courses in Scotland.

Sep 15, 2023 05:13 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well count me out on that course.....trying to climb up a ladder or stairs to get our of a bunker.... not happening!!  My hip isn't saying hip hip climb up babe!

Sep 15, 2023 11:26 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

If ever I were to take up golf, it would be because of scenes like the one you have pictured.  Golf courses are known for their beautiful landscapes.

Sep 14, 2023 01:57 PM
Carol Williams

HI Myrl Jeffcoat 
There are plenty of photo ops at the golf courses. I often get so busy enjoying it, I forget to take pictures.

Sep 15, 2023 05:14 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Carol, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Sep 14, 2023 01:59 PM
Carol Williams

Thank you, Myrl Jeffcoat 
It's always a treat to be Featured in the OFC.

Sep 15, 2023 05:14 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Carol 75 miles is a little far to go to play a round of golf, but this course is well worth the drive.

Sep 14, 2023 02:38 PM
Carol Williams

It totally is worth the drive, George Souto 

Sep 15, 2023 05:15 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Carol- that is an amazing view...so open and not a building in sight!!!   It makes me wish I played golf!!!

Sep 14, 2023 06:13 PM
Carol Williams

It is unique in that way, Kathy Streib 

Sep 15, 2023 05:15 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I played golf for about 25 years. The last time I played I had to quit because of my back. I only got through 9 holes with the help of Advil. In November I have to have another surgery 

Sep 14, 2023 08:40 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS 
I sure do hope the back surgery works for you, Paul! Back issues and golf are not compatible.

Sep 15, 2023 05:16 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sorry to hear Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS .  Wishing you a speedy recovery from surgery.

Sep 15, 2023 11:27 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Carol Williams  I am so surprised you guys are on the same page when it comes to Golf, Endre

Sep 14, 2023 10:59 PM
Carol Williams

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. 
I am hoping this coming winter our schedules will allow us to play a round together.

Sep 17, 2023 10:23 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I like the title of this post, Carol Williams - My initial thought was you won "gamble" on a play - not that the name of a golf course is Gamble.  Sometimes it takes awhile for the brain to connect the dots. 

You are beautifully showcasing the golf courses in your series posts. Well done! 

Sep 17, 2023 11:09 AM