Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Richard Choi on August 25, 2014, 01:10:17 AM
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I had a fantastic day out in Brewster, WA this past Saturday playing one of the very few golf courses to open in 2014, Gamble Sands.
Gamble Sands is located in western Washington amid high desert where the sand-based landforms rise and fall like giant waves among the hills. If you have been to the Nebraska Sand Hills, this land would look very familiar to you. Most of the land here is used for apple orchards, but it was meant to be used for golf!
If I can convey one thing about what Gamble Sand is about, I hope it is fun. Gamble Sands is not a place where you are going toe to toe with the course for 18 rounds and feel like you survived it at the end. It is a place where you will be reminded that golf is supposed to be about having fun out in the sun. I hope my photos show it.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2plY2-2k6xo0xfQthz6ePoIV_8ZJgd1clu6ILwTGId9XutPYP59sTdXSEHmtv0dVREt7Sb4NJpIjA0cLVSsbn_dfrIlbW5WeVzA83IAe3Bl5j_cx7qH6WU1uSNhdHBkhwktpbLhsTPXCJO6haI3bjvgQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Misc%20-%2004%20-%20Clubhouse%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The clubhouse is perfect for this unassuming golf course. The veranda is a great place to enjoy a drink and enjoy this view...
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pevU8_QaAAvPEYeWIHDaeRiE6eNLpP3_fQazpdyMxx4VVf-9Iv4fqDkVmrOw_8shgNT2O5k2ZEUA21Q9C58ADOtZLBz3PuVTbNrB65akZ1TVg70XkYv5c-fzwnzseLbeysM9Ia3pWLwxJqhtAJ9wPaA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Misc%20-%2001%20-%20Clubhouse%20View%20%28800x224%29.jpg)
Scorecard
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pHv5wAvhTkxh1zQ426QMfQStr8OqajblrBuMN6Dt8DXuMQEBwgCzov9WGkRK5Qynf7kCCz1mfVjsqc30Jl8UPpvXc-92lSEH-XCduf2pxFCx4mVkW43cf3XndhUds6vgbKLKYnuMhoMZ8W9zk_vlZWQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Misc%20-%2005%20-%20Scorecard.jpg)
Now, that is out of the way, let's begin...
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole01.mp4
The first hole is a gentle opener with a very wide and opening fairway.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pU1mMH2BhBEhWg5aa6kK-xaUjPHuehweQURQBQ4GHsrcfB3A1FW8FbPfpyAKMtocyvYnasovZvMz_9OkOltNuYaveBv_YO3xzAnD0xFeBD-173hUPKz4WctV7ydN0ZJv5_Pfd0TNrBUrGLeIqfZU9CA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2001%20-%20b%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
At first, it is a bit disorienting as there isn't a particular feature that draws your eye. Most of the features seem to blend across the line, and the lack of view to the flag keeps you guessing.
The ideal line, however, is to the bunker on the right which is reachable by driver. If you can lay up just short of it, you have an opening view to the flag on the left.
If you hit to the left side of the fairway...
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2paIIINrwQ8u-zCvx2cKPMLQxv4jGY6NyESRG1GE-noMaTYJswYfU8EdrAJ2SFIKv7EcgBBHsyARRBYGwI3IG-3N095ZW2VxfwXvhVYswXcWYwLLtb9yrbKqsuwMijXfLkna09kwehenGEzBBpsEvmHg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2001%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Your view to the green is blocked by sand and mounds and you must guess as to where to aim and how deep to hit it.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pvew5R2T_wwcr1D2zsPqcsoqSdHRWNFiPRwJcveZItCFRAYzx0wUjmHfuBI01BVfYyOHnKTgEcNDGHaT9qgAooX1jacovHBy6NAT3W8GHvSUW3v6OJ0iMk-pmFS8k64bc_LC8b2gjw0MdOZhkG-GKug/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2001%20-%20n%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green is sitting in a shallow bowl. If you miss to the left short or long right, they will act as backboards. The only place to avoid is short right where a greenside bunker guards errant shots.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pLeWVtOGwONSCH_RlAOvVsbOCIeb7eFghivE0R1lmHjBwC37URFShVDrbkcJq6yNnrMciJ-DlcmDQdg5Ryl_J6uYGYm9OZ9DYVHCAKVsCo73LiIsANf5P6ZnYe_GY2EEiB0kunNW1OeYz61p6MjpU_w/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2001%20-%20o%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green has subtle contours that will probably give you problems when they are running at around 9 or 10. As brand new greens, they are currently running at 6 or 7 which makes most putts much straighter than what the architect had in mind.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2puyQXmkrwATtCEoKx9V1okbZ5Sa34YGG1u-eSDmtLWW3IkwJs3_pdVydBbvb7Mug-kuUniXZOkffjYza8oKt9Mm9Mxrnck5jcUJcX_-p8CZw9TH5cV2fh4l4702TxGx_yyYWvMnWy70G8s5zVoB7yYg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2001%20-%20p%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The tee to the next hole is located right next to the green. That is true with EVERY hole at Gamble Sands. This may be one of the most walking friendly course I have EVER played. Routing for walking is fantastic and it is a pure pleasure to walk this course.
And as you walk up a little mound to the next tee, your eyes are presented with...
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... to one of the prettiest holes you will ever lay your eyes on.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pYSxCthoIlIv8zDAv_z9k1JKYbJVOE7wdgqkwXngXzpMt5NFkRJEu5C1rblkbclZYFkrlOYg0Iskc-vmVmrr-deSe1azWrB7gYKlirpOxvhsJZTdcwrFgbD5g2Fc0aQjZ41BWOt1gMzklXdv7K5-Hhg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Misc%20-%2003%20-%202nd%20Hole%20Pano%20%28800x263%29.jpg)
Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole02.mp4
You are standing high above Columbia River with views of canyons and mountains all around you. Amidst this panorama, the hold almost disappears into the background. You breath deeply for a second enjoying the view, then start concentrating on the task at hand.
BTW, the starter said the second hole is the "most photographed hole in the world!". I think he meant the most photographed hole by golf magazines in the last month (Gamble Sands has gotten some pub lately), but I understand the sentiment.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pfI5HSE8cjSkoIaQwCmjDdQtuqL7oA9pfwxPfJyyFYsjC1Vz9YS8gUSFjBZCOrwXdbC4YptZS-hDWzJrAb9jKjy-yliVzKFhfhUVbmojLUFtsIb7B3peMLzNv_bfqYazIwTbN23fnSHpq6SAbjVgxSA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2002%20-%20c%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
This is a driveable hole which plays significantly shorter than the yardage indicates. With the lower elevation and running, firm and fast fairways, you may not need more than a fairway wood or a hybrid to reach the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p93zHJZ_wSBC2IRk6wVxNhkluS0xgJ4gtbaF31wXUfwqBkDYQFGz6bpYdQVYIMbwRTONIa6iDAcjaT_47L-2YecfSneOlFklqAtmT1lOrKm81l5RjldhgBVgL3uaPgGLTOTxt5nEQkvSKPRBmANASiw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2002%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You want to hit a nice high draw over the bunker in the middle of the fairway. If you miss straight or to the right, you should still have a very accessible approach/chip to the green. Missing to the left may post a bit more challenge.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p_7CJbpD5hE777npt0vLDX_rNYNcd_Cx3EH9ZpLuf3pDhqwG6UtL02oOUmwsV23d3DNE0wMkjDUxvrKLPKJ9SbJ1Hs87HpO4mJkRKPOi8owYQpy4F6hXSipyO-PABTQDLZ7v5PTC59dMWsMrcSTC5GQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2002%20-%20g%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The fairway runs right to left, towards the green. However, if you miss to the left, you will be face with this bunker.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pU5rN1PosAt_h8COW2iHfsea3Ccxp74oco2eXdx7rnNbY6UypeUT6rgVBGLU-NknYLZrfaspaA0Xw7IcCeSQvNjpodJucEjm046Wj1woyu-gSnwF3RHBhPY9C2ktLmUyp1K6IF0dX-oIPpzhHhbxwdw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2002%20-%20j%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green is fairly subtle. I would have expected something a bit more wild based on how short the hole is. There is enough to make you think, but if you hit the green with your tee shot, you will have a reasonable chance at an eagle not matter where you end up.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pMOJajvaByMqzEQbu6iVKquGx-1evQVDdSahwadkcGwNGli11XET9Gjl7TZDpHOXESOxB5VT5zCKuLqQiJWTKCgUJ5skPwJdDWRNgAc6lRisvBJ3QIEmIQy2w72D8chg3pguTxVsqzFrRcRDmIo15kQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2002%20-%20i%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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The photos are excellent Richard. As Sean Leary pointed out - there are a lot of reward-reward holes, as opposed to risk-reward. This is the case with number 2. It's a fun hole at the beginning of a great adventure. Looking forward to the rest...
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I wish Kidd would have put some movement in the fairways. You won't encounter anything but perfectly level lies. How do you shape fairways that level? Reminds me of watching highways being built and graders going back and forth followed by rollers.
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I wish Kidd would have put some movement in the fairways. You won't encounter anything but perfectly level lies. How do you shape fairways that level? Reminds me of watching highways being built and graders going back and forth followed by rollers.
DD,
I didn't necessarily think that. I thought the speed of the fairways put all lies into flat spots in general, but that there was decent movement.
I have more of an issue with the flattish greens..
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I wish Kidd would have put some movement in the fairways. You won't encounter anything but perfectly level lies. How do you shape fairways that level? Reminds me of watching highways being built and graders going back and forth followed by rollers.
DD,
I didn't necessarily think that. I thought the speed of the fairways put all lies into flat spots in general, but that there was decent movement.
I have more of an issue with the flattish greens..
+1
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The numerous posts on this topic have made me realize that I need to take a trip to eastern WA
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The clubhouse is very cool.
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Richard,
Did you play in any wind? I didn't. Forecast has winds under 10mph for the next week.
With the minimum green depth of 45 yds, and extending above 75 yds, and little wind it reeks of high GIR, but you'd better be picking the right quadrant.
Which hole location scenario did you play?. When I played they were in Zone 3 (back on #1). Looks like you had Zone 1.
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Richard,
Did you play in any wind? I didn't. Forecast has winds under 10mph for the next week.
With the minimum green depth of 45 yds, and extending above 75 yds, and little wind it reeks of high GIR, but you'd better be picking the right quadrant.
Which hole location scenario did you play?. When I played they were in Zone 3 (back on #1). Looks like you had Zone 1.
I played the same day as Rich, so I can answer the questions. The breeze picked up around noon but never got above 10 mph. The hole locations were in zone 2. Even with the huge greens, there were some tough hole locations in that zone. Back left on 2. Middle left on 4. All the way in the back on 5. Middle right on 7. Back right on 8. Tucked behind the bunker middle right on 10. Back left on 11. Front right on 13. Back right on 14. Back right raised bowl on 16. Back left on 17. All of those hole locations had me thinking of where to leave it/should I attack it.
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I have played zones 1 and 2. 2 was easier than 1, especially on the par 3's..
On this course there are a lot of 80 foot putts that are dead straight......
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+1
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I wish Kidd would have put some movement in the fairways. You won't encounter anything but perfectly level lies. How do you shape fairways that level? Reminds me of watching highways being built and graders going back and forth followed by rollers.
DD,
I didn't necessarily think that. I thought the speed of the fairways put all lies into flat spots in general, but that there was decent movement.
I have more of an issue with the flattish greens..
Sean,
Kidd has been back to re-contour fairly new greens in the past at the Castle Course & Tetherow, perhaps he took the safer route this time around? Not an excuse for boring greens, but maybe the reason.
TK
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I think any talk of reshaping the green is WAY too early.
I suspect, based on the subtlety of the contouring, that th greens were designed for speeds much higher than 5 or 6 stimp that we experienced. Once the growing in phase is over and and the speed gets around 9 or 10, you will find another level of challenges here.
I think the greens are fine as is.
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I think any talk of reshaping the green is WAY too early.
I suspect, based on the subtlety of the contouring, that th greens were designed for speeds much higher than 5 or 6 stimp that we experienced. Once the growing in phase is over and and the speed gets around 9 or 10, you will find another level of challenges here.
I think the greens are fine as is.
You say subtle. I say flattish.
Greens were faster than a 5 or a 6, Rich. You should know that from playing Chambers. 5-6 is REALLY slow. They were 7-8 or so....Agreed they will be better as they speed them up.
Tyler, a few of his greens at Tetherow were absurd and way over the top. He just went too far the other way this time, IMO. There are some well contoured greens, but a lot are really quite flat.
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I think any talk of reshaping the green is WAY too early.
I suspect, based on the subtlety of the contouring, that th greens were designed for speeds much higher than 5 or 6 stimp that we experienced. Once the growing in phase is over and and the speed gets around 9 or 10, you will find another level of challenges here.
I think the greens are fine as is.
I think this is a good point. I know people are talking about how easy this course is, but most flattish greens rolling at an 8 will be pretty easy. Once they are rolling closer to the intended speeds, I am sure these will show more of their subtleties. (disclaimer: I haven't played it yet, so I am basing this off of pictures and what people who have played it have said.)
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I am quite familiar with slow greens from playing Chambers.
The current CB greens are running about 8 to 9 (10 or above is not playable for most mortals). The greens at GS are significantly slower than that. They are about as slow as when CB first opened. There is no way these greens are anywhere near 8.
I think the judgments on greens should be reserved until they are running at normal speed.
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I am quite familiar with slow greens from playing Chambers.
The current CB greens are running about 8 to 9 (10 or above is not playable for most mortals). The greens at GS are significantly slower than that. They are about as slow as when CB first opened. There is no way these greens are anywhere near 8.
I think the judgments on greens should be reserved until they are running at normal speed.
Just because you shot your career low there doesn't make you all knowing on green speeds.. ;D
Matthew and Brent, what do you say?
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I am quite familiar with slow greens from playing Chambers.
The current CB greens are running about 8 to 9 (10 or above is not playable for most mortals). The greens at GS are significantly slower than that. They are about as slow as when CB first opened. There is no way these greens are anywhere near 8.
I think the judgments on greens should be reserved until they are running at normal speed.
Just because you shot your career low there doesn't make you all knowing on green speeds..
That will be the fourth person I have heard that shot their low career round at Gamble in the last 2 weeks. Look out for a stampede to get there and go low!
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I have played there with 4 people. 3 shot their career low the first time around.
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I think any talk of reshaping the green is WAY too early.
I suspect, based on the subtlety of the contouring, that th greens were designed for speeds much higher than 5 or 6 stimp that we experienced. Once the growing in phase is over and and the speed gets around 9 or 10, you will find another level of challenges here.
I think the greens are fine as is.
Richard,
I wasn't suggesting the greens should be changed, I was simply musing that perhaps the relatively flat greens at Gamble Sands are a result of the over-the-top greens Kidd has designed in the past, which were not greeted enthusiastically.
TK
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For Jaeger's sakes, lets keep any talk of career rounds out of this discussion... ;)
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I know a woman that played Gamble Sands last week and first time around shot a score that was 8 shots below her index. Second round was 10 shots below her index. Naturally she thinks it is the greatest golf course on the planet. 😃
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For Jaeger's sakes, lets keep any talk of career rounds out of this discussion... ;)
Just keeping you in check in case you saying else outlandish like your 5 on the stimp claims. I know Peter Pittock was there a couple of weeks ago and he thought they were 8.5 or so..
Don't say stupid things and I won't need to correct you... ;)
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Pro told me on Aug 6 that the greens were running right at 9. Seemed about right.
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If that green is running 8.5, I will eat my straw hat. If Pete believes that, he is wrong.
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If that green is running 8.5, I will eat my straw hat. If Pete believes that, he is wrong.
You want Sriracha with your straw hat? See Daryl's comment above.
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Yes, and CB was telling everyone the same thing when it first opened too.
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I won't pretend to know the stimp speed for those greens, but they were real slow. In time a 10 will be perfect for them.
Yes they are minimally contoured. This is refreshing since nearly every new course built has overly contoured greens. Honestly they reminded me of slightly tamer versions of Dismal Red. The difference being Dismal's were much faster and rolled great.
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For Jaeger's sakes, lets keep any talk of career rounds out of this discussion... ;)
Just keeping you in check in case you saying else outlandish like your 5 on the stimp claims. I know Peter Pittock was there a couple of weeks ago and he thought they were 8.5 or so..
Don't say stupid things and I won't need to correct you... ;)
I thought they were in the 8-8.5 range, but went high. 7 might be right. I was coming off standard Sagebrush speed. The course probably plays 300-400 yds shorter than the card.
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole03.mp4
There are a very few things in golf more thrilling than hitting a shot over a towering wall of sand that fills your field of view.
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2pFyTP1j0Y79glzTdMBZ8GSH_Cfz9TLFvGa7QRMDLwuXF92Q0_5Rz2KcqNPGiy3YZ3ahxcTs0Fqw7L114wzJKPI-rqVYjqhJqCyfTOzHiQDSDt7tLnOl9oJ5HXiTs9G5EoB2dFndil6Euy1tcOJFyy-Q/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
This is the first hole that really shows how Kidd may have been strongly influenced by courses in Sand Hills, NE while building Gamble Sands.
This is a completely blind drive with a lonely small rock indicating where you might want to aim. You just take a deep breath, step up to the tee box and hope that you have enough to carry this giant wall of sand.
The actual distance you need to carry is certainly not overwhelming, the intimidation is mostly in your head. However, if you do fail to carry the sand, the shot you have left is not an easy one.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2plC33UWxB0Ktt_jQXoPmPp_PV0fPmvVG1TKOA5LRD88MppCVK2dPdOkOfY4eEHicPwxeFxMNLxSQNeGMx-d3DWJrzDdzbhI3zji6CvWp6w5Xid99m9gjsUlyxsB3c_3RTwXNc3zmsu3bMMEfnTqL-Dg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20c%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Once you successfully navigate the tee shot, your work has just begun as this is a VERY long hole. You need to hit everything you have on your second (most likely over the gunch on the right) for you to get close enough for a wedge shot on your third.
Your aim is towards the far bunker on the left side of the fairway. It looks pretty close, but it is most likely more than 250 yards to reach it.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pyUw7tDe6Zid3veItyhb7yhod6a63IXSrNAoy1_JimhTzD1ZCnPNXz4BSX8YgkHPWda04phKtAEFZBxXNrxucFQtrNdOEsg2eRCroq828BKQFrsMmCU5nFAklYmOIRFnuIUsh7esqT3Up64zwwYkxUw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Here is Brent, showing a beautiful swing in front of even more beautiful vista. It is almost impossible to take a bad picture at Gamble Sands.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pxklGdgFc1ap9DMGoe2NdTzocVENY494ieXTi8rHg0_NneU5C-lxhhPkRjIzmwAUdernUj1Zm7XGFBaj9xKiUcghd4J0wljc_cIYWyI9MS6gptaHM6sXqdtx69i22LATIJpxPZWqQAyhpZKSH61TKOA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20g%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The fairway bunkers are beautifully shaped and fun to play out of with longer clubs as sand is very fine and easily compacted, giving almost silt like texture. The balls sit up and since it is pretty firm, you won't have too big of a problem hitting a full shot out of them.
Hitting an explosion shot is another story, however...
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2phwB5atHqu5Et2rISIj-DhIjk_dGbOmAWMezX9IpLk7qejZ-s_4_w3u18XyEgzgKZWGYBlCZLL_HqzeVYgcA3XsCCsY1HE5xY0gIGMhb1LQs0V_mtuGgLhnJMG-03LDS9qSUT1KDig7co75WzWNGYxA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20h%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you successfully negotiate your second shot, you will have a very inviting wedge shot to the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pOG2dOII3meYjinobDQknsruItidR8t-MbOAD9uMVyx1Gr3TqTCZjZK7FLtA3yx1sUm2CfENhiZjO6Gx84AcPyeAev3S7_2v4yIbV_WYXS-W9zC8rImX-CrFf859kJPJCJBMEEYU_GlroQsYgq8MOYw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20j%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green runs diagonally left to right with a gentle drop off to the right. The front bunker is the main thing you need to avoid.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2prsLjzZGtGuHonbOAl5xzpQBdrHm1XW47My0htzWb8tT0JFDYA9Y3rUNJvoe-9_h0QXdXEoB2LDaFPrlZabN6ZOHLNstTqSfAdbv2sPcx-z7A5Uz4DOqe5wc-vqcoPt2yHYN2zhVoGBYO7Ju9N_8SRg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20k%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
As you can see the features are fairly subtle and the gentle sideboards make them even more friendly.
The hole looks great from the green to tee.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pclqDQp_ZdUlC8kghix-6djMelIyq2eP4S-OitHvg2U2wQNdw1hU7f0dR7rg3rdguo5zq5vgK0qs8Vsjz_U-TM_Bknw0MFn904PqpI24inUhmIM8HBUMOPrs4AW8NDpzBobScR4Mfg2qJfCWKSVHLlw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2003%20-%20l%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole04.mp4
The first official short hole is something of a palette cleanser before the drama really starts.
The main interest is the sea of sand that lines the right side of the hole from tee to green.
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2pYvkvOC8AfPZeDBN5O38534ikeg0m3j37sRdZLNUUCLVfjyHmY18ABRe1w2vTjIhJ_iXLN4K11w92w-_IzYr1n9yYhUqMuCxQzUSn5nqpoQvgJK7TQrwUI9Ftq61eMA-6ZDNUvz1jhrGZoQm40Vr_zA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2004%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Everything flows from left to right towards the hole and on a windy day, you can hit a low fade that will run right to the hole.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pE2B-cOY_ZgGofUDmyNBrDsNezaDhst-tLdd_0098um6lb04yDx3rl-iHDFaAnqRXPJYKr0BAjEwOkvlcv9uUcWLvr0cd07J4Wu3Y4EsJJ9PdtH5jWM0kpFcJNEafuaTwAkyXK6FsMBKXatXd0FeSUA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2004%20-%20c%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Kidd definitely saved his most interesting greens for the par 3's on this course. This hole has almost Biarritz like green that has high front, low middle that rises to the right back. This green just BEGS for a low running shot and once the green is running at speed, this hole will provide a lot of entertainment.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p3X42omPgnmuL4pVUKSBTQ9jIfMP0WbwWY6pzWSZBGb1gNhA2DwrjZ2-S9lo67RZDA9WBBaGRMLvPAnjHG5crGUftWMWQapNI2_mb84rdUu4bSzmDr7YCsjy0j9bKCc4gwn9p094BpZzTi5avCyZMMg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2004%20-%20a%20-%20Green%20-%20Pano%20%28800x338%29.jpg)
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Thanks Richard
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The pictures mostly bring to mind "there are few things more monotonous than playing every shot from a dead flat fairway." AM
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To my very untrained eye, the greens look very much "lay of the land."
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The pictures mostly bring to mind "there are few things more monotonous than playing every shot from a dead flat fairway." AM
Wait until the 5th hole.
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Has Klein been out here yet??
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Richard, thank you for taking the time to post these pictures & comments. I am enjoying the read very much.
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#3 is an interesting par 5 in that you don't see 600 yard plus holes that often. The tee shot over the hill is fun, but after that there's not much going on IMO. You can hit two huge shots and most likely not get home. From there it's a wedge game for your birdie opportunity.
Now #4 is a very interesting par 3. As Richard said the green is really cool. Right now it's too slow to take advantage of it. In due time I expect this hole to become excellent.
After the opening four I was lukewarm on the course. Yes the walkability was great but where were the great holes. Well, stepping on 5 tee will please a lot of GCAers - what an outstanding hole (!!). I'll leave the details to Rich's post.
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Brent and Richard,
On #3 I thought you bombers could hit the second shot over the fairway bunker on the left, opening up the green. Could you?
On #4 I am a little bit suspicious about a hole position in the front third (Zone 1). It seems more difficult to hold than the front of the Biarritz at Old Macdonald.
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Brent and Richard,
On #3 I thought you bombers could hit the second shot over the fairway bunker on the left, opening up the green. Could you?
On #4 I am a little bit suspicious about a hole position in the front third (Zone 1). It seems more difficult to hold than the front of the Biarritz at Old Macdonald.
Peter - I hit two solid shots consecutively on 3, leaving a 60 yard pitch. So it's definitely possible. However, in order to reach that green in two from the back tees you have to be really big.
Did you play #4 up? I would have liked to. I'm sure you can hold it currently. When the greens get up to speed, that will be another story. The green was so slow that balls hung up near the fringe behind the hole. I thought for sure they'd come back down for tap-ins.
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I played whites because I didn't think the course was going to play a lot shorter than the yardage. I thinned the shot and it ran to the upslope below the back tier pin. I think the fourth is the most difficult par 3 on the course.
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It is getting late and I was going to skip the tour tonight, but looks like Brent is getting anxious to talk about this hole, so let's do just this hole tonight.
Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole05.mp4
There are holes that you play. Then there are holes that lift your soul and recharge your chi. This is one of those holes.
I knew the hole was going to be good since Leary wouldn't shut up about it during our entire 3 1/2 hour trip to Gamble Sands (he had played it just a few days prior - you know the course is pretty good when Sean "I don't own a piece golf merchandise unless it is from a top 100, a WORLD TOP 100, course" Leary is willing to endure such a long drive to play it).
Frankly, I don't think my pictures do justice to this hole, so I will try my best to describe its drop dead sex appeal.
With its epic rolling fairways, and majestic bunkers, this hole would not be out of place at Sand Hills, Dismal Red, or Ballyneal. It would be one of the best holes at any one of those courses.
It all begins with the tee shot. As you stand, gazing across the sagebrush valley below you, you feel like you are about to ride the biggest North Shore (Hawaii) wave ever. The fairway swoops from left to right in a giant, elegant slope to a low point that seems very, very far away, before rising up and peaking at the green like a breaking wave. Hitting a great drive here is almost pre-ordained.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pBk2W-MglP7lHM1vK8chAWJtLh3-K3_rR0L03AlWbVAWPhR2vdrwseM3TWa5w_miB-ToG5Gtouvmmn_DoUNZv2Fgqeg9X6iF_b15qiRB0Mm2OeHh2N_leqE68hAgrAOWtxYglohH3R0MEwfv2c-kzCA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2005%20-%20b%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Even though the yardage book indicates 500+ yards, this hole plays much shorter due to its rolling fairway with huge speed slots. For big hitters, the aim is to hit just right of the far fairway bunker. If you can carry the ideal line, you will be rewarded with 50 yards + of roll which will take your ball all the way down to the low spot on the fairway no more than a short iron away from the green.
If you lay back, you will have a very long distance to an impossibly tiny looking green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pCOYhIQWlONib9s9eRxY7bV5Kv62SXbydXBmLtO9_FFUYB_jCSo4AMjp3nacM12O1mG0A7DE2CPiLXJAATZM11Lzhub3BtUj5XWd46rp4c9toLVWhMrgIIoEwaHDr0bAAyKalgAroP-Wo1uQSwAttcw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2005%20-%20d%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You can better see the ripples across the fairways that act as speed slots here.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pjhxLfHYHegQJ_1O3ZNcGo1GG7HHac7APMVQyGNAEYIR62C2k0ckB6yTBB49nZ_uaNhoDY34m4qtmFsnvWx_MX-n8VpHlzuqgcDTPavgkG9hHrVHT7D8OltkuK20zNW6NC7gz_p80SnwTaPSdJ9VFxA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2005%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you are lucky enough to take advantage of the speed slot, you are now faced with a tough second shot, all carry over a gorgeous sand bunker, to a blind green. This ain't easy...
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pM3rkgcmiABvXJD3Vyk5H3xT6030Ejd9a0tE1J4vZ7X6qK0vCEGWddN-jqQRIBsUApmSCKUxmEA1JNfNV8fKF-xKKMfxMdMfD_-WKz2JjfO4EaFFrVQLH_4aWcr3Tq4lSdtEFRQ_PLhnU5lfxJK6jCg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2005%20-%20h%20-%20Fairway%20Bunker%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
... as any indifferent shot will be swallowed by the breaking wave and end up with a bunker shot over a lip way over your head.
However, the approach shot is friendlier than it looks as the fairway gently slopes towards the green, assisting long approaches that land well short of the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pcVtEao25Cp4mv5PLKAeyvTGrOwe5ggwUTeMMD3aky_F2xXiJgCVGDwyIRyewhgpCbQwpixcVXQU4-Jt6O8qhTfHd9DrTC5wMUngYfVh7Fiqn3eB0zvOD_DkOfQ5NR6iF2ou3Sixj-S8ZiiPpeMQ8zA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2005%20-%20i%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green is divided by a spline that runs across the middle, making the back pin quite difficult to get close.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pWtUN4G0L9f9ofB-38FTmvEqf1odlj2L-5P7MxZafdTL2a_0NsQgvx-gVSy3lyKMIxk2_dtha04IIGPQF4RVFMr2g8QT_dulm2u5fF5864C7nX2-w_ssdbOu9E3RKG18lUltRI2UpDvMVDjxBE-mxeg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2005%20-%20k%20-%20Green%20-%20Pano%20%28800x400%29.jpg)
As you walk away from the green towards the next tee, you can't help but feel like you just caught a great ride down a fantastic surf.
This hole is a thrilling ride.
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Here is the picture I took a couple hours later... Maybe it helps out a little since pictures really don't do it justice.
(http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr346/Karla8983/Mobile%20Uploads/WP_20140823_10_19_19_Pro_zps57e759f3.jpg)
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5 is really, really good. I wish that Rich took a picture from the right side of the fairway towards the green but he was too busy horribly misjudging the number on the stamp for the greens to come over there. This is one hole where it really does matter where you hit the tee shot, as Rich described. Bothe rounds I hit decent tee shots but was right, which leaves a heroic shot over the bunker.More movement in the fairway but bigger slopes so not much in terms of uneven lies. Choi's pics have been superb but this one doesn't due it justice, probably due to the scale.
World Class hole that starts a stretch of 3 which are all fantastic....
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5 is really, really good. I wish that Rich took a picture from the right side of the fairway towards the green but he was too busy horribly misjudging the number on the stamp for the greens to come over there. This is one hole where it really does matter where you hit the tee shot, as Rich described. Bothe rounds I hit decent tee shots but was right, which leaves a heroic shot over the bunker.More movement in the fairway but bigger slopes so not much in terms of uneven lies. Choi's pics have been superb but this one doesn't due it justice, probably due to the scale.
World Class hole that starts a stretch of 3 which are all fantastic....
My father and I both hit our tee shots a couple yards right of the fairway bunker, caught the speed slot and were left with a shot straight up the gut of the green. Placement of the tee shot really does matter.
5-7 are fantastic.
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As has already been said - this hole is awesome. It's like riding a wave from tee to green. #5 and #14 are my two favorite on the course.
Something else I noticed from the photos, the land contours on the hole match up to the macro contours of the distant hills. This is even the case viewing the hole from behind the green. Very cool.
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Richard:
Really terrific stuff so far -- for those who haven't attempted to do photo threads in detail, one of the single hardest things to do is capture width, and this is one of the best examples of doing so I've seen here.
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I don't want to step on Richard's excellent photo tour, but I thought folks might benefit from seeing the routing, which I also posted on a different thread, but repeat here:
(http://www.joestansell.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gamblesands.png)
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole06.mp4
I am a sucker for redan holes, and even though this is not a pure redan, it has most of the elements to make it quite interesting.
The tee shot is quite intimidating. The hole is long and it looks like you have one hellacious carry between you and the hole.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2poiKH96Qv4MAdBJDoMzFYt7GMypddV1dr2RmwtOf9_UGBTPPHsgqxdwYVSNEFRS1zEcBWiO3P9BbjRIkM7IejDotsGXWsfPmwsmoNhwAZjBUWEn2SPdY6AtomD7rB9_lRGZlud5uvvfdLw_A_aeBi1A/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2006%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20-%20Pano%20%28800x312%29.jpg)
But the look is deceiving as the green is significantly downhill and there is significant amount of fairway in front and right of the green that will feed the ball towards the green even if you hit a tee shot 30 or 40 yards short of the hole.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pA8OAvM7LLxK_wuZXnPFL36nXUJp9zDlDvkbU7gd3lBMEgDJ_LfuM2LSNbH4zB0-ksBGrNh4Bav3Hsdh1XVntFmHUdhidwqJ-4zkk-EJ3Ul7PDPeJKEqNStaWZNok-Y9VKQb1GGeHzn6UpzFb0QqAFA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2006%20-%20d%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
A great way to attack this hole is to hit a sweeping draw towards the bunker on the right that lands about 20 yards short of the green and let the ball run to the hole. With the long iron/hybrid you will be hitting, this hole will definitely play like a legit redan.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pMLwJiIam5IHj5bpKV9MiWQJEYBa3dXbamcmiw0roduBaaviJPixjFkr_gBzS85AUnXtWunaZmJs7i86fadd_S84oEyXlugac-rIyza8VEdBVC45zCGV8Q_VUTNPsomnqKjYFymEkZPN0BijE-s4ugg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2006%20-%20f%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
There is a spine in the fairway that will feed the ball to the front and back, depending on where you land it.
The green itself is divided into three shelves, which puts premium on controlling your distance with your tee shot (which is a bit tricky when you are rolling the ball into the hole).
This is probably the best par 3 on the course, in my opinion.
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole07.mp4
This is a 4 1/2 par cape hole that is high on risk/reward.
The fairway runs left to right diagonally and the entire right side is lined with bunkers and native plants. You have to decide on how much carry you want to take on. If you take a risk and go towards the center bunker or center bunker right, you may be left with a mid or short iron into the green for your second. If you mis-judge it, your ball may not be playable in native hazards putting double bogey or higher in play.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pEDVG-NWnSdvJh4CEclLvOx4EEAvLhOElgdB7F5bDfOdYfb97O5jcFqMRkd9xNhYqcbP1aewYhwrquhcIucZ7LPf2AcNnPzy2IFVjc6Yko-Qo0LG1-xaQ4P-jbsTKYl5sVO0EmGtODAxIXcVM8frxBA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2007%20-%20b%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You're dang right Brent went for it...
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pCj4BOUZX3C9wLO8S_IlGxkFXtBkBZNb8VIQpbFL0M8fhLJaSmXMfYsJlBrPf6yL_AJNgZZ2jURYF1zvpEGCQsA5djXFZ_-wqrq0fu6dqfbez6jcxCjPPRhlAM9l4xd1I7JAFTmXfdkQ7n61W8nOz5Q/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2007%20-%20d%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
...and never found his ball.
The fairway is deep and wide so there is really no reason to challenge the carry if you are not so inclined. The center bunker is mostly used as an aiming device and does not really come into play (unless you are ridiculously long).
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p5IgyodMTGQdq_BKx7-MJX0UNm6LZAvxsyB3HjeJ8sXp8cNaUwa_wMMAXANZSIVzluSsiR9Ys8KreNoAm7bLaQtspftXk7nCJWXZhLpBzXS1BO3-yduDap9cv39ulxHFOcIDpWZECfA2rjzQwndHkVQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2007%20-%20g%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you hit to the low side (which most people will), you will have a blind shot to the green on your 2nd and 3rd shots. If you keep to the high side, you will have and excellent view into the green and plenty of fairway to run up to the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pdXSzZGAfs_5dpPkL4dJFNqhhDsQACE6BCkHqfWo09URW9s97OU_mTDEWYJr5da4NVmIlxEuG_IrVk-3wHSjheA1TLmY4678FRhWI5tizPuvOVUtPDQ45wixGxZViM887TAgA3Fbf3J-elPPndGtk6w/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2007%20-%20l%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green is large and very receptive to a long approach. There is even a back stop long right to catch errant shots. Missing long left will leave you with a very reasonable chips shot as well.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2poh8yVAExBk0dvjLeWamRbjpeuVKBanxWlIX2c1D1a3qYxG7fRqtTRCOXZJlxYVtOXHeZVilBBos6q5z5saTX-E-t3MezbMI77bxgo9B_PBNTJj7eSfAD2s7wV9CcbsVunREqb_4ruMQwFBfi5NzI7A/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2007%20-%20n%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29%20%282%29.jpg)
This hole BEGS you to go for it.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pWs9eLK94emmMVGBZS9ifbX23mwUcviaV7J0qF9ZoNGUVc1tge3RT9j7VmONOcY_sJqfDeb_nq6Chfx5sYlAVuOnFLt-f6gNjuOSzS6VdZg6doRFKbmoqsZI5aJkc9zaOc2jP2KRt7S-kV_saUnbWjg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2007%20-%20o%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29%20%282%29.jpg)
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Is there a better 3 hole stretch in Washington than 5-6-7 at Gamble? Maybe 10-11-12 at Chambers? It's safe to say this stretch is in rarified air.
Regarding #6 - check out the picture looking back from #5 green. See the wooden block on the right? That's the back tee marker for #6. The green to tee walks are excellent, similar to Ballyneal where one can tee it just off the green.
The right to left "redan" slope is a blast. Like Richard said the prudent play is to utilize the slope to funnel your ball, but we saw a high fade hold the green as well. Two plays is not enough to master the spine in the green. With repeated plays I'm sure one can become efficient at funneling ones ball to the proper portion of the green.
The difference between back and medal tees is huge on #7. From back tees a modest length driver can get home in two. However from the medal tees the right side requires serious carry. The hole is still reachable but strategy becomes much more important off the tee. The tee shot is everything on this hole.
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Gold Mountain (Olympic) 16-18?
By the way I was +7 on 5 thru 7.
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Peter,
Good call on Olympic. Nice course. 17 is special.
This thread has lost steam. Richard - let's pick it up.
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I am back from the holidays and ready to finish this tour. Let’s do this!
http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole08.mp4
There are several drivable par 4’s at Gamble Sands, and this is the second in the series and probably the friendliest of them all.
The three center line bunkers that line the fairway (reminds me of the first hole at Tetherow) dictate everything on this hole. The fairway to the left is narrower and a bit harder to access, but it will give you a better entrance to the green. Your goal is to just step up to the tee and rip the drive as long as you can. You know it is easy when Leary hit the green with drive on both rounds…
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pWDECQJFBMRDMJyBmnnNvPq9NkcEj-pZKDnmV5ZKNCRW_MhWYsr5nbnGNZvlfvGuqwlm1Ym7WSu5mOo8V055lwG5QdNFzrfcohgeSJEW0ab9UCNdBTwrCb2bsqvMezXLmdTM7wvoeihvIkiDN7Yp4hg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2008%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20-%20Pano%20%28800x275%29.jpg)
The green is on the left side, but if you miss to the right, there is plenty of fairway to catch your errant drive. You just have to negotiate the bunkers between you and the (semi-blind) pin.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pd0lTpQT1BWZ8EEYvbXuDjBzhFXGWG6reIG6kQH8R_lG3295JOGmmHpsmfG55DSLkQMR7BlmmU_GLh-dLVD8NRaRndj83Uxmm-CtRy9tQ98JOxEcAYIJHpQTEdpAHfh8mhY1qihSzmVp2W5E05AUT7Q/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2008%20-%20c%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you do hit a drive to the correct side, you have a very accessible green. There is plenty of space to miss on the left and the front right has humps to guide shorter approach towards the pin.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pw44ReoMqh-wHB9JjkXtHK9XNGgJNmGcrHtqtZQuJghXkROWoD2D8sc13tajoB8pGmIeKSrsW9u2W73Rwf7TfT-C59D224jD6jdMeMKjaEeB72d6y6uo3D6a34rn7i7mdPIhBEpImbGhKaClXu_ymQA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2008%20-%20e%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
This infinity green provides a FABULOUS view to the river below. There are enough subtle movements from back to front to make the long putts interesting. Missing long is dead as it will run straight into natives and lies will be iffy at best.
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2p4KZQxHQZmVZru-sICOAgQyKewmXpqVjEY36hZbYFHWQKvDQYEyxtZrCi87IfIyvyEP2nlHyjqp5MglFTYUEMXjk6GXAK-pkmKl_CS2UT5udXWOJbVbwlIpjzWg-OIUxsxv1Vlfs1xAkIleKVGiCIRw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2008%20-%20f%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole08.mp4
The ninth hole, along with the fifth, is probably the best looking hole from the tee box at Gamble Sands. Everything just looks natural, unforced and relaxed, as though this hole has been just sitting here for a millennia.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pWAqngax07u8EkMrhdpOYTgwNJCKH_Fb6Wqsfk1Z9MNDRDFkCXy8hhwzoQ94Ybv4zEC7QyhJjxUcoT3NK6M8AjJFrsYbrzALkh_1c8qzSZFH1QpH6u_A12GdmWstCOo8xcUAQfsv47hzchuhfUNjwNw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2009%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The strategy is to hit the tee shot just short of the sand trap on the left which will give you the best angle to the green. It is not necessary to hit a driver here. If you miss to the right, there is a hidden sand trap that will catch most drives and leave you with a tricky approach over the sand to the pin.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pGHgrsmBeXt12mfsI6eUu0ffIsLIvdwMbRVl80I7UWE675FZwuObae-IOhmmjgs0DbZZiodBXIUonWDfacyP8iQ7zAF127GZ4f6PQwHc0qumUTaISrwjS8GupfSE1k2Gy25ANMPsK-BgqGxtL6_BYMg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2009%20-%20c%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Most courses wish they had a single approach shot this pretty…
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pyC9LsjubfI3jPMllRjxSauaMlI8p9KJ_wOu5BLrPQ8-WCtFxx3oGj5noMmRKM6r5wa0_C1I9j-B1HGX6ldqqx2BsPBjlQJq_fcR-GVVwMfAjH4MckdyAS7SzZ66UCGKnPXGbVPwAtp6QDxynmiRBxQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2009%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
As you can see, there is a sideboard to the left and long that will help you with pulled shots. The green is two tiered so the distance control is in demand on this approach.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pmGguU_gEMeLTu-CaKp4JdmKJeH9P57_6zSSszMVWBWmwmtf5Bc2bMKIrdkvbUA49UZlU_EXw2WIYrhszYcw_qv4QE6f23YPlBYHcb6iAwVWE3tlbrBhUQvxhdCCF98qADdFC9CZeSX08VVCCB9MZWA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2009%20-%20g%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You can see the tiers on the green better from this view.
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2pEY120M4HVBoRDZR75Zcc9VNKYAh6M3Hky7aYCnY06lKBdxm6vaUWnhg9-vdcA99hl8FmaB6oJxsMiRnMM80XH5DRhHA7MlV-Tkjefv85StDUWdEwmAqJl4XNLznw2uFUBRiuEAcyJZNLEE6w9X_5Og/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2009%20-%20h%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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The course looks really cool, but are those fairways really as big as the photos make them look? I thought Castle Stuart was wide but this place makes it look like a (pre 2014) US Open venue!
I'm pretty sure I would be able miss a few but are missed fairways a common occurrence or rare beasts?
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Thanks for the photo tour.
One thing that stands out to me, and makes the course a must visit sometime for me, no cart paths!
So, are there cart paths and are they in the sagebrush?
How long is the drive from Portland, OR? Are there any other courses in the area worth playing?
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Tom, the fairways are indeed wide. Probably the widest that I have played along with Streamsong Blue and Wine Valley. Most players should not have too much problem finding the fairways, though there are occasional bunkers that will catch your drives if your tee shots are not properly thought out. The natives are such that you have a reasonable chance of finding your ball as long as you know the general area where it landed. You probably won't lose a ball here on most rounds.
Scott, the cart paths are not paved and run around most greens out of the view and blend into the natives. They really did a great job with cart paths, you really never notice them even when you are playing.
The course is about 7 hours from Portland. However, you can take about an hour detour to Wine Valley (~4 hours) and drive up to Gamble Sands (another 3 1/2 hours). If you hit up Chambers on the way back, you have played three best courses in the Washington state.
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Since I played Gamble Sands I thought maybe in my mind I had been over imagining the flatness of the fairways and greens. After seeing all the photos, I think not. Man, that is highway flat! Good news: the course has at least a dozen perfect emergency landing strips for wayward aircraft. ;D
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I am back from the holidays and ready to finish this tour. Let’s do this!
http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole08.mp4
There are several drivable par 4’s at Gamble Sands, and this is the second in the series and probably the friendliest of them all.
The three center line bunkers that line the fairway (reminds me of the first hole at Tetherow) dictate everything on this hole. The fairway to the left is narrower and a bit harder to access, but it will give you a better entrance to the green. Your goal is to just step up to the tee and rip the drive as long as you can. You know it is easy when Leary hit the green with drive on both rounds…
Take it easy on my partner. I owe my post round brisket to this man. For sure number 8 is on the easy side. It's not easy to hit the green as Leary was the only one to do so. There are so many half par holes at Gamble. I can't recall a course I've played with more.
There's nothing to add on #9 - fun golf hole. I'd like to approach it from the left side sometime, as the right is not ideal.
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole10.mp4
10th hole is fun little breather after entertaining first nine. This is the furthest spot from the clubhouse as the first nine goes out from the clubhouse and the back nine comes back.
They view from the tee is somewhat similar to the fourth hole as a sea of bunker lines the right side of the hole from tee to green. The green is divided into three sections and your goal here is to fly your tee shot into the correct area.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pswR924v4quw4kSL3rt3dCtuZDq7lE__wWMZ5pzk2QBMRrqodEKsBxW6Rqr2q_l5GGXpBbdVV1Y7pBYb8M-sKwP8Xss-swi9TsagXHwbsec0tbK0zzcLxJZntQtGfY6AgKBOkESW_Ver4UaDonaGMFg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2010%20-%20c%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
With the hole being so short, a ground approach is certainly not required, but it is available.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pQHivJOEx-Q_58t97eeL1iJ4eHKxhVUwqNCMqUEXrb5wpiCoXc75wxy2O0HdJWvD0PhCIIKyBunvnM1ZYcE5I1akziTitHuQ_jRLDdGKzgsYtvc_ovspYmLOsHI833sU0Vz96SmVGGirqk_0Yk3Znxw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2010%20-%20e%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
As a group, par 3's at Gamble Sands have the best greens, and the 10th hole green is good as any at Gamble Sands. While the movements are not subtle, it feels very natural and unforced. One section flows gracefully into another while providing numerous interesting pin positions. This is going to be a really fun hole to play when it is up to regular speed.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pEawJfJMTm5Vh2AXwXTMo7qFI_KZ4Cpm7KfpvsVPBzOZXqEvlHu1K4athcwswXjMWWwGYcEESE4eEbigKbZ430QEKjcWE62PBWeZUz9XZgZw2HUHlMqYqrBg7g4v-OsCYK3aZZp7i7DnC3JA9JMtrPQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2010%20-%20f%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole11.mp4
This medium par 4 gives you a variety of choices with the tee shot.
You can layup short of the center bunker and leave yourself a long iron shot into the green from the best angle. OR you can carry the center bunker and approach the green from the left side, where you will have a blind shot to the green over the bunker. OR you can try to BOMB it over the right bunker which will give a wedge to the green with the best view.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pRMAOeDCfSAST1qmllaquRnrhXpi3mLetxnOcxYV8SOCRSWS_txu_pQLv_zn4DVAJEm1KF1--1wL99Rf4VRX9_O4b0zT9l9zPjPvRQNK26EMsO3ThipDFogCB4yLJK_8LBi-rx2iQKxono5Aa1IZs0Q/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2011%20-%20c%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you are REALLY skilled, you can also thread the bunkers to give yourself this ideal approach shot to the green from the right.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pJ3xyk1C3lpzKXRwLH_iaj31i5l2LGCNYEiECvdqz9l_iDEfCJ7yFUqeuUGea8j3dE7wFXz7A2m7GasPq003Tczm5VMZumVkjw4ouIN0XQPJK4DAuX6I00HgcShJ9yduimjt3MjYO4OCPAtMGY8h1nA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2011%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Most people will opt to carry the center bunker to the left and end up somewhat left of this view where the green side bunker will hide the pin from you.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pHf2YETW0-uqcTfs1BD2bYVUedof2w35trl03ft_zRDX61arzWhFBKUdavhSL-9W6uUXcmUfXCwL6tSqZkBFf3DKJboOCD_H51d_6HOqTaJDkQWK8xyLm_SqdAsZLa9FeFq9rpiqQSC-PfO_8S_y5Sw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2011%20-%20g%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
This bunker front of the green will swallow most approaches that miss the green. Which is too bad as there is much more room to miss left short and long right than it appears from the fairway.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2paaHg_7p6kJVaQMZAHTVe_b0Ejg1I6clkdRiN0las2oCGtEGDDgeqbK7Oxd3EFnU_p7GPU57wwH9pPxl6NJ7-Gkss1PfTHWZjgnc3qoFj1-j0EXqOZLW6Zn0ItaPU4IOUv22-bIVoMth-jsgHscZqFA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2011%20-%20i%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Sorry, I don't have a better shot of the green here. The green runs from back right to left front. There is a bit of a ridge in the middle that separates the sections, but the green is fairly level, leaving very accessible pin from almost anywhere around the green.
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Considering how badly everyone slammed Castle and Tetherow, I don't blame DMK for the flatter greens.
Can't please everyone.
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Most interesting. Thank you for posting the thread and photos.
An open question, out of interest, how would someone go about constructing a feature such as the long bunker-waste area on the right hand side of this fairway?
(http://5t6z8g.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pFuHbLgCCRYQOHAD6QBWq35S0etmBfb-zZ2y6y2_c4mNG0JdRgb26B5OSRiUIXf8ZDNSS9n7USP_D2GZ1hweNcqAQ-M8GGitp0ItQ9H3oQjY/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2010%20-%20c%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
How much of the work to complete this feature would have be done by machinery and how much, if any, would there have been hand tool finishing?
Is the sand we can see what's under the whole property or imported or moved from somewhere else on the site?
Are the smallish grassy tufts to the right of the sandy area a native species and thus original on-site vegetation that has arisen on their own or would they have been planted?
I note that the similar bunker-waste area on the opposite side of the fairway seems to have been machine raked but the larger sandy feature on the right side doesn't seem to have been nor are there any hand rakes visible either alongside or within the right side feature.
I've seen features generally akin to this before, in the UK at Castle Stuart for example, and in photos of various newish US courses. Anyone have any photos or videos they could post or link-to of how the construction, either of this site, or of another similar site, was executed?
atb
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This is the last of the three driveable par 4's at Gamble Sands and my favorite of the three.
Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole12.mp4
The fairway bunker on the right really does not come into play, but it plays with your mind as your ideal line is right over it. This visual intimidation caused everyone in our group to pull the drive left into the bunker front of the green on the left.
(https://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2ppidpxFQA-YDLwpp09OPBEkeDCUI7zHT4rykEyYH_HsjV76QXaJwKhrrjxbEgjHGpkDsaEf9PryGl3RaiMBjkAkbHXfLIthu7gxNQMGh1j2mB0EOI-gbp4_ozNIOn95YK5EuOtWg8s_p24p1GTH0ngA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2012%20-%20b%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Laying up short is probably a good safe play as there is plenty of room and the right side of the green really opens up for you.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pLTVCTuf1hhf1R7Kzuz3mhaMZVbzPIcE5BTa8EwBmAD1pUlN15XJNn1KAn_3e3WDraqwCy2nzuXOESSI7hwmyCqCPV9mcfWvTH_LEKhT6Z8SZjHN0F1zAi0nOZ1y22VC6HaV5P_IvdsPiYS4p3CpvmQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2012%20-%20c%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
But, we didn't drive 3 1/2 hours to play it SAFE!!!
So we ended up playing all of our drives out of this bunker...
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pYiWQo8j1K6jvz7sqig0EqWmeaRjV-DW2tFlFyGXSMMAxHMY4VJxknVEX7VvM4CTjwAc-fN3IIJAM6nh1wG8gv3tyaN93Sf1BTIlihzBd8NvXqD-5jSsDlzG2LbY0xHE7FZvgHZkphClmMgK92aWQxQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2012%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
This is a tough shot as the green is very deep and you have absolutely no view of the green from the bunker.
The green has a significant back to front slope with a big ridge in the middle. Any shot long right will be gathered by a backboard.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pKhIF06Rjb9MaeOt5W8lk5BVgX684qK2UXY8a6YcPDN_V-TQboL79ijWDM46hohglkHm0RrqgLo_LA8glejF4QAmC0ZHoeDd3Qeb1SkLzb9Hg6IMV5E-MvZKIISj5uaQ8ZG6b5ZJQzQPU6uVbfybowg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2012%20-%20f%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You can see the depth of the green better from this view.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pj3r06ti2yLaHAHA3j205JAO6n1rC7ryfgLvdNCljl_B1kxmHJQFJ7c8rhYwipU_qVtyGLP417OCYh61Qe9_vazC7AisZsTagT-VRaxqLk4lBaThZuvEzLwcwSSZ3OXGAT8OzC8zKDCTF4P-X749dTQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2012%20-%20h%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole13.mp4
This is the most interesting par 5 at Gamble Sands as you have to hit two blind shots on your journey to a bowl green at the end.
The main focus on the tee shot is to carry the short bunker on the right, which really does not come into play, towards the center bunker.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pMnb0plcKhNQQ-iFALBJElg3OuDZp-zD4Kxnwp5N3GhdYGvBbYxk4PIyImm8PIR1gZCqnNmgl1jEs-8V2gro1BpGuigFe40xtrHobS078ivaYJh1yyic3YsQ4lNKhHcIO0KN-9F06gJvyf0qWMpnDFA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2013%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Once you are on the fairway, your are left wondering exactly where to hit your next shot as your view is dominated by the center bunker with no other visual cues.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2prA16DMU95v2SlONiCnDjYe99Q-DSh8w4DX2AJi5RFeSK_Ba8xyi52tP6IUoLTFkFnW6qs8ZVMo-AOEnJdV8jeBrEjQNVWmptXlAjGzq9f15xCVRuBrZurgvDxlcfCGeDHzmPR6T_qUHE4iWnItURag/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2013%20-%20e%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
After hitting your second shot beyond the center bunker, you are left with the second blind shot to the green. The barber pole is the only clue you have on where to aim. Curiously, they remove the pole for afternoon rounds.
The punch bowl green is deceptively located just behind the bunker.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pIca7kJ9aE03RzwiVzt1S1lv3z86ouMDQV39qXcW8lMhLm3F8dpLVklRkmgMp2OT_0rqIlrEZhKjnotkvEjLhIKp97CvICgg0WHtBmMTQ2QH9IG7b5lH6piGBirYDFzN_Cd31BvmZFA-eSYo8hqlTbQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2013%20-%20h%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you trust your aim and able to execute an awkward approach shot over the bunker, you should be rewarded with a ball safely on the large green surface.
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2p0eRf8kX6TYRUkcHc7OiMYgAruuO0oeZxBO6-z2iA81rVAzK5Bw9qcHk4CWJnbogeCqH27EmyxZSCiKxybcQED2kfT0udm85flSOKswBAcfdsVqyWlM4csdnEAE4UxsaJtXooYpIoCLvTYSWYJl6B_A/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2013%20-%20i%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Here is the view of the green from the opposite side. You can see there is significant movement to the green with a bowl within a bowl in the middle of the green with three wings surrounding it.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2pVphDE4DwfU-1GNJi3vRImBYpb5w7DcEl69hUTnS-V1cOdX_XygZ7l38N5YqpdMC7f2-94OyYH4WsM_-fdCzeSN7DxDRNOev5CcSCuM94z2VRU1LEbF6I7nDfylBEzoXHD1HaQiV95AwXlDf303fgeg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2013%20-%20k%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
I am guessing most people are not going to be thrilled with hitting into a very large green blind. Getting a birdie here will be a real accomplishment. It is definitely a quirky hole, but I think it is used well here as other holes are quite tame compared to this one.
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Thomas, the area is sand based (surrounded by desert) and I doubt that they brought in any sand in for this course.
The sand here is very fine and they pack very tight, forming a very firm based playing ground. All they did was probably to sift the existing sand to weed out rocks and gravel.
Since they pack so tight, I doubt they have to do much raking. They don't seem to blow much in the wind either.
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Thank you Richard. Photo tours like this take a long time to put together so well done. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the course.
atb
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Great looking place!
The slopes on the scorecard are quite low. Perhaps the lowest for any significant course built in a long time. I'm ok with that. Isn't it nice to have the chance of making a low score once in a while?!
The green sites look as "lay of the land" of anything I've seen.
Looking forward to seeing the rest.
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The slopes on the scorecard are quite low. Perhaps the lowest for any significant course built in a long time. I'm ok with that. Isn't it nice to have the chance of making a low score once in a while?!
Morgan,
Very similar rating and slope to the Streamsong courses. Maybe these guys have figured out that losing 6 balls a round isn't such a blast.
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Great looking place!
The slopes on the scorecard are quite low. Perhaps the lowest for any significant course built in a long time. I'm ok with that. Isn't it nice to have the chance of making a low score once in a while?!
The green sites look as "lay of the land" of anything I've seen.
Looking forward to seeing the rest.
Morgan,
The ultimate test is whether you want to go around again right? We all did and had a blast. Now some may say the course it too easy, but I found it a breath of fresh air. It's nice to put a good number on the card.
From the tips Gamble will be plenty of challenge for 98% of golfers.
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Low slope and ratings would not be ideal if the course was boring and uninteresting. Gamble Sands is certainly not boring and is challenging enough for the VAST majority of players. If people built more courses like this there would be more people playing golf.
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Most of the tee shots at Gamble Sands are stress free, grip-it-and-rip-it kind of affair. Hole 14 is one of the few tee shots where your sphincter may pucker up a bit.
The fairway is split into two with a wider, more accessible fairway to the right and a tighter, less accessible fairway to the left.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pC8LB3hQmIps7tzcR29NZLOdk8Wwx4hZOK6rEpkLNqzb12VlxOkHZ3bj_OVnMmhdQQuMS7U0lIqvi678Bt6JwuTwLBx71V3nmUR0k0UMxbX2qfhkLdevKwlmWUovG0kkT6y-aGxjXlkQBdW5k9tvpow/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2014%20-%20b%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The decision to whether or not to take the riskier route certainly does have consequences as if you take the easier path, you have to deal with the bunker that you must carry (which also hides the view to the pin as well).
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pB2AoSPi384syy60txt-lSzl-xWVr8HTu_-h0A8pBcSw2Z529Kskuuv47m0wv_lA0NMfTrih9W7mcr9wdIG_sVhK5i7P3121sRcpHZoMIdh0CT8mWwZEI4HzLvK0NRr8gol5upsqTGrSpAqIYS_xSqg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2014%20-%20d%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you take the riskier route and succeed, not only do you cut about 20 to 30 yards of length, but you have a very accessible and inviting route to the pin.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p7PT7JH7qSvZ6LSeQz0X5CgrR-uXWV2Cy1imUZnuhmrX9jU6AYUJQfZEyfwL_ilqPoIzsOiXqym27OxAeVbiT8FWb8FOaD0XIX1K1QQwNkuV7znd_pOe257JryKLDTDt9ZngBRfp_cfRJwBqFaUgDEA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2014%20-%20f%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green, however, is far more forgiving as it looks since the back stop will bring back the long misses. The left to right, back to front tilt also helps a great deal with a bump and run shot from the left side of the fairway as well.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pbytDAk5h_PYE1Y-HNnpqH3ZtCx3glVdO2DdJ0OURsRbY2YigYqT4fcFGmfsRus6eT4fcBnQoqt2EdBt8QX5eNEKrczmnMP6fkBy1ct0Ym2lnQThJUezxYG5TgTGt5Lz9J0vKz4It-YTxq0ItzD8udg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2014%20-%20g%20-%20green%20%28800x346%29.jpg)
This is a really fun hole that I can play over and over again without getting bored.
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This is a long, long par 4 that plays a bit easier that its yardage indicates.
The bunker on the left is not really reachable with your drive, but it does mess with your head and a good deal of drives will head over to the bunker on the right (which is not as visible from the tee), which you can carry with a good poke.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pBsHasfVcQeplRkqOe-5BDHSVe8GiWDWwuws8dDH_HOndreU6nrDwLJeDCDo1MbZTuc7oigpFTEOtj5e6PyzP2xGhV_6RdeRAoWDnSOOIKislRS9V2MEiGynkFvFuY1-b_moSmKI_quQsHZttTMCaxg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2015%20-%20c%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Although the tee shot looks intimidating, if you happen to slice wide to the right, there is fairway and rough to catch your errant shot and leave you with a better than expected second shot.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pq9Vr-5BoYTyi5n-u0GJ7CZJBN8J3riZrc_zD-YUsoKHpdq8Kole0TqLISIXMIL__AesSEdVcuqUbMNIpFB-xarXSb6tIiLhZ7bjeLN50x0wR3r799gG2KAfP_5pIUiJCJVeLyN8g824b6OP0yiS4lw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2015%20-%20d%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you end up on the left side, you have to be a bit more careful with your distance as there is a green side bunker to the long right and short left.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pyqZUiaMf2tR2Lo296YwWFQBUB1-U5esTy6kyTUU8rtAMHIbvj45WwE0lXa37HO-6JpWmwXig3lzjjt43qijhtL19AVwO9zcrW2V3oLJ8a15U40zO7e14FVgBzu31lSesJn8upyCpT4rGTYTEzR3Ngw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2015%20-%20h%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The green is very receptive to a long approach as it should for a long par 4. There is enough movement to keep things interesting, but if you can get on the green in two, you should have a decent chance of making your putt.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pCblUtfc5_7kzg7IITjO1nIopWBG1JCgnGNfWT2oA1cHoP_CCaP3e0I3VUIOvQwUtwf8xGppWmxM1nQc6MVrkhWZW_P4Z0pRlnoe0cxP750CB4I3weYpcWWbz-ssouE6OC896WpNF6I9ujH1kdm97hw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2015%20-%20i%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
TD mentioned that someone told him that if no one told him who designed the course, he would have guessed that it was designed by TD. I call BS on that as if TD was designing this course, there is no doubt in my mind that he would have placed the green on this hole 30 yards further back where he would have created one of his classic skyline green on the top of the ridge (where the tee box for the 16th hole is located).
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole16.mp4
This is my favorite par three at Gamble Sands. And it is no surprise as it has perhaps the wildest green at GS.
The view from the tee isn't too different from the other par threes at the property. There is sand wash to the left that really does not come into play and the mound to the right that hides half the green from the tee.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pVALH8w5sAn4MZfc4d4WaM2JRJH-y2s8PDpAg12I-focsrU66IiTuYftxCk7oaYLFvtFxUUYrm5QDrXUoUaBcc_QMMSe25z7MKnjZyth-fKL1Tp8geDQIZYSmDhFjLH4ozYumYfPgQD-BYo6oJj0oKQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2016%20-%20b%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You can see here why the sand on the left does not come into play. There is plenty of room to land short of the green on the left side.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pe0CdFk4ydqkU6p5YVqqHXNcCOxf7tWGdkICNzTe18OmRfD0LH9x4VlhHLZIe7fB4VaEtuAGW0ntjBGb0Lrt3ozwqT9FXPmaJwa3pmU77aYM_vO2a6MYJkQl2u97hj6Slwr5lqklHOgreAHlxPnK8Iw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2016%20-%20d%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
What makes this par three so interesting is that it is basically two completely different holes combined into one. The left half of the green is open an inviting with a large front bunker that dominates the play.
The right half of the green is a punchbowl green that is completely blind from the tee where distance control is key to getting it close to the hole.
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2phCTweUkoLnO7Nt8g_tiW-tUlZl1GSgQGi3GOdO9HiayYZk9r0PqQY0_XCFbd2wCIL5dRw9WBK4XoPUHwl2ripyPoSgL4iUqqqZjHGu3Ej1o8smZE_74JzA6aJ3lA5q0-09Tu288aZQUbbxgJU3Cpwg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2016%20-%20f%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
Hitting the wrong half of the green on your tee shot will be a problem as there is about 4 feet difference in elevation between the halves.
(http://qynoma-ch3302.files.1drv.com/y2po1CYhm7ay34HFp2ViVtBTRY4l9B33GZdMb86i5mUo9XwHEFGJL-GXrsh795bGcyOxgVB_-_yw57sHFDSNninll9yCg9CH6jIXHcmBEltz03kEHgRKdkP6KCi8n98M9kKm3CnNT9Qmb7xeRw1MgVqUQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2016%20-%20e%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole17.mp4
This ia solid mid-range par 4 with a blind tee shot. The ideal tee shot line is over the bunker on the right which will give you the best view to the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pi8Xal6UatSIsogVJV8ut6-aA9DqaIL4id4sc6RVU42eRRAq3Gze7qOI3ZKs7aQmEgd_1DzZb2Dp5co12-uIu3O6zFaQ2V8M6L9lkfYm9l1VjWarUOH-57i1hzdqa6KcpEWAqi2JURNpjX16Axz73Yg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2017%20-%20b%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
But hitting over a bunker this large is no joke.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p2wrG5y7SNDHk33yd1PlZSGz1-LLAgaImn4KH9WQQyIcD3tF1g8IvcGAI60X0HorTqyQztHBsZVKf3SNsOv6xd03oF8e9gaPfd0NihdS6VddYwYuBOT9PIaFENW8-4nEbyjIio6_1VVLWs93pNiXpUg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2017%20-%20d%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
If you get intimidated by the bunker and pull your shot to the left, you will have to deal with the fairway bunker that complete obscures the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p3-1bqY5e3L6V6JpVlkiZmQgCod6Doz22VB6i_fbQ5R7ZKGxb526hwt9h0DB04f1UoponIfBqCgUEx4jHnEf6tyGV9-PPtavTrhMG_55pEptF0W8cvAafGj_cFvprteow1hMmH7LATERhauArO2vlPg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2017%20-%20g%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
From the right side, the green is very, very accessible.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pu4qv9z53lpNzLq8nlKmcwI5iT-wkqdsYX5ardFdmiXkIdkhUiUcDlNhOp0R2aRExk7DOoLgAC0S4M4mS5w3Q5uC1W9dRF9QpGCrtNrhDrgmr-E-BSAGEEM_ZZ-HQB1_N0zyCAgYQvOD-oY7vyspIzg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2017%20-%20h%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
You do not want to miss your approach to the right as the 17th green accompanies one of the deepest green side bunker at Gamble Sands. There is PLENTY of room to the left to miss, so there is no excuse to leave your shots in the bunker here.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pRYEI8Cg4kfEeprxmUdx3-hot1JrQ0PepZQETRQO4EqgOcn01P2ucG6RDJhsdBQBMb0256g_p_WsPcxMQ7QRdBVNt05ukXrGpJVNSy-5J_MZsdcfGXE5einwlCxt60QgTRmGNkxXfiP5I7hFzbuxuYg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2017%20-%20i%20-%20Green%20%28800x350%29.jpg)
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Rich,
You're doing such a great job with the photo tour I don't have much to add. Your thoughts essentially mirror mine.
Looking at these photos remind me just how good Gamble Sands is. The only course I'd rather play in Washington is hosting the US Open next year. Gamble is a lot of fun.
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Richard-
Did you have a hard time remembering all of the individual holes? While this looks like a course I would really love, a lot of the holes seem (or at least look) very similar to one another.
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Carl, that's why I take so many photos!!!
I will say, except for several dramatic holes, they do blend together. It does help to have the river below to orient yourself and serve as a guide.
Par threes, in particular, are hard to tell apart from one another.
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Richard-
Did you have a hard time remembering all of the individual holes? While this looks like a course I would really love, a lot of the holes seem (or at least look) very similar to one another.
I was thinking exactly the same thing. It looks great but alot of repetition.
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Carl, that's why I take so many photos!!!
I will say, except for several dramatic holes, they do blend together. It does help to have the river below to orient yourself and serve as a guide.
Par threes, in particular, are hard to tell apart from one another.
I remember every hole, including the par 3's, but for the par 4 15th. It wasn't anything special and easily escapes my mind.
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Love how those steps melt into the bunker. Looks like it's been there for decades.
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I was there again this week. It was a bit cooler and we had a bit of wind and I liked it even more. They had topdressed the greens so they were rolling quite a bit faster, which is good.
Two of the three people I played with shot their career low. So far I have played it with 8 people and 5 have shot their career low in their first round there!
I agree with Rich on 15. Very surprised that the green wasn't pushed back.
16 seems a bit out of place for me for some reason. The green and green site look very different than the other 17 greens. My least favorite hole.
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Two of the three people I played with shot their career low. So far I have played it with 8 people and 5 have shot their career low in their first round there!
I have never heard a figure like that about any course, much less a course that people are touting as a great course.
I'm interested to see it because of this feature. Plus I need to post a decent score again someday; Crystal Downs has been beating me up! :)
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Two of the three people I played with shot their career low. So far I have played it with 8 people and 5 have shot their career low in their first round there!
I have never heard a figure like that about any course, much less a course that people are touting as a great course.
I'm interested to see it because of this feature. Plus I need to post a decent score again someday; Crystal Downs has been beating me up! :)
For what it is worth, all 8 loved the course. Some architecture geeks, some casual players. I have not played it with anybody scratch yet, and am interested to hear what they think. I do think that a good player has the ability to shoot an easy 65 out there.
Great conditions, cool visuals, 6 half par holes (to the birdie side). There is one quasi- difficult approach shot on the entire course. Imagine your Stone Eagle, but easier, wider and with flatter greens and less trouble around them if you will. Best analogy I can come up with off the top of my head.
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Two of the three people I played with shot their career low. So far I have played it with 8 people and 5 have shot their career low in their first round there!
I have never heard a figure like that about any course, much less a course that people are touting as a great course.
I'm interested to see it because of this feature. Plus I need to post a decent score again someday; Crystal Downs has been beating me up! :)
For what it is worth, all 8 loved the course. Some architecture geeks, some casual players. I have not played it with anybody scratch yet, and am interested to hear what they think. I do think that a good player has the ability to shoot an easy 65 out there.
Great conditions, cool visuals, 6 half par holes (to the birdie side). There is one quasi- difficult approach shot on the entire course. Imagine your Stone Eagle, but easier, wider and with flatter greens and less trouble around them if you will. Best analogy I can come up with off the top of my head.
Sean, I would amend your Stone Eagle comparison to say much much easier, double wide and with pancake flat greens that have absolutely no trouble around them. Risk reward strategy is nonexistent. The contrast between SE and GS is startling.
I am conflicted by Gamble as I know many feel that one of the ills of golf is that it is too hard. Shooting your all time low is fun and golf needs fun. Perhaps this course is just ahead of its time and there will be more like it in the future. Not sure I am that thrilled if that is true. I don't like crazy hard courses but I like having to make decisions during the round that involve risk and challenge. That doesn't describe GS.
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Sorry about the delay in posting the final hole, been busy playing Destiny...
Flyover: http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/GMB_gamblesands/flyovers/hole18.mp4
This is a hole where playing from the proper tee makes all the difference. In the morning, we played from the 500 yards and the speed slot landing zone was in play and it made the hole pretty exhilirating. Playing from 566 yards where the speed slot was out of reach, made this more of a ho-hum affair.
From the tee the HUGE fairway bunker on the right dominates the view (and mysteriously pulls your tee shots towards it!!!). But the right side is WIDE open and the speed slot is there to leave you with a mid-iron approach as a second shot.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pCp9l2VpygBKb4gcn343kfSKig9TozrqmoNbPDRnIm0qM8JX7hY0AtyZHTMuFzIvIoicBkvv4qCZT46i9OpOYkiYbdOiIR2_Dv0GPq2EX6sK6OD_jiefhUD4iJnaMa9elsA3CUx430sGdAPzDW6SmaQ/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2018%20-%20a%20-%20Tee%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
As long as you can avoid this bunker, this is an easy birdie hole. If you hit into it...
(http://qynoma-ch3301.files.1drv.com/y2pzBOQE6EKJH2CnC7Rv4A2x8nrUOpYnNwUGt0_EKSnn-QbovLP8N9OnFjvj6HOKwugVXbriBxmieEgtSFY7YvRn-z5M7WcNJtWwp5JKZn9l2w3zBc5MqAlVWCMgWbAbTgvV3AbF3C5O7PnEHQO-Z8BBg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2018%20-%20d%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
...it is not that bad (based on your lie) as the green is wide open to you. The left side approach, where most people will be hitting from will have to deal with the front bunker and the back side bunker that guards the green.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2p5S8AnFynlCtER4Pml1sbbJqL1SKozJB1K4xpZgDE3Vv4AODqlT4znerdzASPHE8-iEkZwCTgEK0-9yb_CgR7j8IBpkUSGWCzMq8THurYKCyFFCB3J0XyIxJHhsKqZaTVjvB9W2SKgzEOKJNjYVHZfA/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2018%20-%20f%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The front side bunker really should not come into play as it is place about 20 yards in front of the green, but the visual intimidation is there.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pyu_Rrx5V-ryQz1J_I-ax733hT_gfneRx-wgO0gVzZm6sUGLUdSP8CMLrN87_5mcqRn3ahPHZXTpvzK3KI7z63nqP4StE66e0Ve2D5tUIzN2o51h-v51a2YrQDvRhxp2-M66-rUEdHyKlggLUgE3VQw/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2018%20-%20g%20-%20Fairway%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
The 18th green is connected to the practice green so the surface is vast. Just hitting the green does not mean you will have an easy birdie or a par.
(http://qynoma.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y2pAPC2h_p7JJC77Ghz0z3w7Po49f4IChLxzsbuUr8FkeGSsVI99yW2vWQ7rpk8-NWwUWCJ5KFIiYUSHRqRYwvv-mpfOvpY9jveVChQs_9n3xCh5BS1Fscp_8wEaA3NGzZM3N5YyfNq4w7K9GH30fm8tg/Gamble%20Sands%20-%20Hole%20-%2018%20-%20h%20-%20Green%20%28800x600%29.jpg)
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That concludes the photo tour, I hope you enjoyed it.
You can probably tell, I enjoyed this course a lot. The routing is probably as good as I have seen anywhere with natural, flowing holes that meld into the surroundings and almost no unnecessary walk between green and the next tee box.
Many of the tee shots are epic in both vista and in play. It encourages you to hit bold shots and does not overly penalize you for failing to pull it off. It is just a great place to spend a weekend day.
I found the greens in general a bit lacking in drama. I completely understand the desire for Kidd to tone things down as Tetherow greens are just ridiculous (and I LOVE RIDICULOUS GREENS!). But I just wish instead of throwing the kitchen sink (and the dining room table, and the rifridgerator, and...) at the green or going the completely opposite direction, if he would have stuck to just one dominatn feature per green and built the hole around it, I think it could have made the course from really good to perhaps great.
As is, I would put it in the same tier (for the state of Washington) with Wine Valley which share the same DNA with Gamble Sands, below Chambers Bay and above courses like Olympic, Aldarra and Sahalee.
If you are any where near it, it is a must play. You will have a great time playing it. I will gladly bear the 4 hour drive to play it every year.
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Two of the three people I played with shot their career low. So far I have played it with 8 people and 5 have shot their career low in their first round there!
I have never heard a figure like that about any course, much less a course that people are touting as a great course.
I'm interested to see it because of this feature. Plus I need to post a decent score again someday; Crystal Downs has been beating me up! :)
IMO, the low scoring was most influenced by the green surrounds. There is little if any rough around the greens, so putting was the preferred option, and that makes getting up and down much, much easier. I bet the scrambling percentages are off the charts for most players at GS.
The slow greens probably hurt me more than they helped me, because I left three or four short, and can't think of any avoidance of a three putt because of the slow greens.
So, with wide fairways and playable rough and sand traps, it was relatively easy to get greenside in regulation, and then with a putter in your hand, two putt for a par.
The combination of width and green surrounds makes it relatively easy to make a bogey, and it takes a pretty big mistake to make a double; not that I didn't card two on my way to a 75.
I didn't make any more birdies than I typically make to pull my score down, but I was able to make pars out of what would typically be a bogey when I missed the green: because I had a putter, and not a wedge from deep rough or a sand trap.
Also, I don't know that I hit any more greens in regulation.
Even though other courses are tightly mown around the greens, the greens are often raised, so you have the option to putt, but the putt is difficult so it is hard to get it within 3'. And any time an amateur has a wedge in his hand the outcome is dicey and getting it within 3' is far less common than with a putter. In other words, getting up and down is difficult at most courses.
At GS, it wasn't difficult, because the greens laid level with the fairway. That is not to say that there wasn't a lot of contour around the greens, but the angles were not sharp, so negotiating the shot - determining the break or where to land a wedge - was not difficult, even if you were 40 to 60 feet from the pin, let alone closer. Also, because of the big contours, the ball tended to settle into a lower, flatter part of the land. So it was a lot of up and down for par, versus up and not down for bogey. In the end, IMO, the ability to scramble made the course easier and scoring better.
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Richard:
Thanks very much for posting this -- one of the better course profiles of recent vintage. I can't say I'll get there anytime soon -- for my purposes, this is probably more remote than any of the Nebraska Sand Hill courses -- but it's a treat to see this course captured so well with very good descriptions. Thanks!
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Two of the three people I played with shot their career low. So far I have played it with 8 people and 5 have shot their career low in their first round there!
I have never heard a figure like that about any course, much less a course that people are touting as a great course.
I'm interested to see it because of this feature. Plus I need to post a decent score again someday; Crystal Downs has been beating me up! :)
For what it is worth, all 8 loved the course. Some architecture geeks, some casual players. I have not played it with anybody scratch yet, and am interested to hear what they think. I do think that a good player has the ability to shoot an easy 65 out there.
Great conditions, cool visuals, 6 half par holes (to the birdie side). There is one quasi- difficult approach shot on the entire course. Imagine your Stone Eagle, but easier, wider and with flatter greens and less trouble around them if you will. Best analogy I can come up with off the top of my head.
Sean, I would amend your Stone Eagle comparison to say much much easier, double wide and with pancake flat greens that have absolutely no trouble around them. Risk reward strategy is nonexistent. The contrast between SE and GS is startling.
I am conflicted by Gamble as I know many feel that one of the ills of golf is that it is too hard. Shooting your all time low is fun and golf needs fun. Perhaps this course is just ahead of its time and there will be more like it in the future. Not sure I am that thrilled if that is true. I don't like crazy hard courses but I like having to make decisions during the round that involve risk and challenge. That doesn't describe GS.
I don't totally disagree with you. And I like Stone Eagle more than GS. My point is that you feel like you are playing someplace good when you are there. It looks like there is trouble out there but there really isn't. And as Michael said, there really no trouble around the greens, save for one side. There is usually one side of every green that you don't want to be, so just don't hit it there and it is a pretty simple up and down for the most part if you can get the speed of the greens right. I have 6 rounds there in some different conditions and hole placements, so I feel like I have a good sense of the course.
Richard,
I have a hard time comparing Gamble to the courses you mention. Totally different type of golf, with different conditions and different challenge level. The routing is outstanding. Its super fun. But for me, I would have like to have seen it been more strategic, both off the tee and around the green. I like some challenge and difficulty. If you are going to make it THAT wide, then create more challenge around the green. Make some of the bunkers in the fairway in play. Doesn't need to be silly greens, or impossible bunkers. But something. For me it's too easy and not strategic enough to be considered great.
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Well, I didn't say it was great...
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I know a woman that played Gamble Sands last week and first time around shot a score that was 8 shots below her index. Second round was 10 shots below her index. Naturally she thinks it is the greatest golf course on the planet. 😃
Slope from forward tees is 110. My brother plays a course with a slope of 110. Shoots wonderful scores. Then he wonders why he can't get within 10 strokes of me when we play together.
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I had the opportunity to play Gamble Sands last weekend and it was one of the best experiences I have had in Golf. I'm not really sure I understand the "easy" comments. The course is the epitome of risk/reward. Standing on the tee it looks like you have a knife edge to land the ball on, but when you get to the fairway you realize how much room there really is. Every hole does have a very safe route, but you will face a progressively more challenging approach based on how safe you play your tee shot. Nearly every hole dares you to take a more challenging line than you should to gain the advantage on the next shot, but there are places you absolutely can't be just like any great links course. If you play smart, hit all of the right shots and putt well, then this is indeed an easy course!
The greens are still pretty slow in their first season, I think once they've picked up some speed they will add more challenge to the course. The turf was in very good shape, much more filled in than in Richard's pictures. My best comparison to courses in Washington would be a combination of Chambers Bay and Wine Valley. Tough to pick a favorite, but I really enjoyed Gamble Sands and would put it up against any course in the state based on my first play.
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played there last week and it is FANTASTIC
I can see why DMK got the job at Sand Valley
the greens are just 10% smaller than Old Macdonald...they are huge
thanks again for all the pics Richard
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I had the opportunity to play Gamble Sands last weekend and it was one of the best experiences I have had in Golf. I'm not really sure I understand the "easy" comments. The course is the epitome of risk/reward. Standing on the tee it looks like you have a knife edge to land the ball on, but when you get to the fairway you realize how much room there really is. Every hole does have a very safe route, but you will face a progressively more challenging approach based on how safe you play your tee shot. Nearly every hole dares you to take a more challenging line than you should to gain the advantage on the next shot, but there are places you absolutely can't be just like any great links course. If you play smart, hit all of the right shots and putt well, then this is indeed an easy course!
The greens are still pretty slow in their first season, I think once they've picked up some speed they will add more challenge to the course. The turf was in very good shape, much more filled in than in Richard's pictures. My best comparison to courses in Washington would be a combination of Chambers Bay and Wine Valley. Tough to pick a favorite, but I really enjoyed Gamble Sands and would put it up against any course in the state based on my first play.
I am glad you enjoyed it. I think most everyone has a good time when they play GS. I just can't let the comment about GS being the epitome of risk/reward go unchallenged. Especially when followed up by a comment about how after you get to the fairway you realize how wide it is. That would lead one to believe after playing the course once, there really isn't much to solve. For the risk/reward challenge to exist, one has to be required to evaluate options, make a decision and then execute. That just does not describe GS.
For example, it is hard to trumpet the characteristics of risk/reward on a hole that has a 100 yard landing area free of hazards, almost no movement in the fairway (flat like a highway, not an uneven lie) and kick boards around 2 or 3 sides of the green that deflect the ball to the middle. That describes a lot of the holes at GS. Doesn't make it a bad course, doesn't even mean it is an easy course, but it does not describe a course that requires very much thinking. To place Gamble Sands at the top of courses with great risk reward and strategy challenge, is a real insult to a ton of other tracks. I don't think the designer would disagree with what I am saying as he has stated as much in interviews. He has been very clear that he was not looking to challenge the golfer with lots of problems to solve on the course. He wanted folks to be happy, shoot low scores and most importantly to have fun. On those objectives he has hit a home run.
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Fixed all the broken picture links!!!
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Richard-
Did you have a hard time remembering all of the individual holes? While this looks like a course I would really love, a lot of the holes seem (or at least look) very similar to one another.
I was thinking exactly the same thing. It looks great but alot of repetition.
the routing is essentially a classic out and back links style routing, so as you are actually playing, each hole is distinctly different
the absence of trees, rough, and other photogenic parkland features allow the course to float on the plateau of sand dunes high above the Columbia River yet within it's ancient gorge