Gamble Sands: Day 1 ~ Austin, Shane & Jake

We left Twin Lakes at 6:30 this morning, stopping at the world’s best gas station on Highway 41 in Post Falls to fuel the truck and grab breakfast burritos and coffee for the road.

Jake drove us three hours west through Davenport, Wilbur, and Grand Coulee before we finally reached Brewster. From there, we wound up the hill through endless cherry orchards until the landscape opened into the wide expanse of Gamble Sands.

After checking in and warming up on the range, we teed off at noon. The wind was coming out of the north, which felt uncharacteristic, and gusts over 20 mph made for a proper challenge. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed the round. Each of us had memorable shots and holes that will stay with us for years.

Afterward, we made our way down to the hotel: five simple buildings with eight units each, overlooking the giant putting course, the Brewster Pool of the Columbia River to the west, and the snowcapped Cascades in the distance. It was a perfect backdrop.

We held a putting competition on the enormous green, with Jake and Austin beating Shane and me by one stroke. Then we headed up to Danny Boy Bar & Grill for dinner, where we enjoyed excellent beef, chicken wings, clam chowder, and a well-earned meal.

To cap the evening, we sat by the fire pit as the sun set in the west. Another great day in the pursuit of adventure. As today winds down, we’re already anticipating another memorable round tomorrow at Scarecrow, the new 18-hole course that opened just last year.