The Prudent Approach of the Gebbers Family
Gamble Sands, located in Brewster, Washington, is a testament to the enterprising spirit of the Gebbers family. Known for their century-long operation of Gebbers Farms, the family decided to venture into the golf business more than a decade ago. However, they approached this new endeavor with caution, considering every investment they made. They understood that every dollar spent on additional land, workers, or equipment had to be justified by its impact on the bottom line.
A Captivating Golf Course by David McLay Kidd
To create their golf course, the Gebbers family enlisted renowned architect David McLay Kidd. They provided him with a couple of hundred sandy acres on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Columbia River. The result was Gamble Sands, a remarkably entertaining golf course that opened in 2014. The family also built a modest clubhouse that perfectly complemented their down-to-earth farming background. Their focus was on the land itself, recognizing its pivotal role in their success.
From Fertile Land to a Golf Adventure
The fertile land that had produced delicious apples, cherries, and pears for Gebbers Farms also gave rise to an exhilarating golf experience. Gamble Sands quickly became one of the most sought-after golf courses, attracting players from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Currently ranked No. 18 on Golfweek’s Resort Courses list and No. 22 on the public-access list, Gamble Sands has captivated golfers with its unique setting.
Golfweek course rater Rob Jordan compared Gamble Sands to Pennard in Wales, describing it as a “links in the sky.” The course’s high bluff location impressed Jordan, who played it multiple times during the Golfweek Rater Cup in 2021. He praised the variety of holes, different options around the greens, and the opportunity to bounce the ball up and run it to the hole. With its abundant choices, Gamble Sands is an ideal course for match play.
Meeting the Demand for More Golf
Due to the overwhelming success of the first course, the Gebbers family faced the challenge of meeting the growing demand for more golf at Gamble Sands. In response, they opened QuickSands, a 14-hole par-3 course that currently ranks No. 17 on Golfweek’s Short Course list. Golfweek rater Jim Gibbons expressed his delight with QuickSands, describing it as a delightful and enjoyable experience. The resort continues to thrive and expand, with the recent opening of The Barn, a restaurant and event space, and the planned addition of 40 double-king rooms.
A Second 18-Hole Course in the Works
The highlight of Gamble Sands’ expansion plans is the upcoming opening of a second 18-hole course in 2025. David McLay Kidd has already shaped the new course and completed grassing five holes. The success of the first course has driven customer demand, with groups needing to book at least 10 months in advance and the average stay being two nights. The addition of the second course is expected to further increase the resort’s popularity.
The second course occupies land that was originally intended for the first course. However, due to ongoing farming operations and an above-ground powerline, the family decided to relocate the farming operations and bury the powerline underground. Kidd praised the land, describing it as a “cool piece of dirt” with sandy terrain and more waterfront drama than the first course.
While maintaining the playability that defines Gamble Sands, Kidd expects the second course to present a greater challenge. The bunker style will be different, with smaller and more intricate bunkers scattered throughout the course. The greens will be smaller and more contoured, and the second shots will require more precision. Despite the increased difficulty, there will still be room for recovery around the greens, ensuring an enjoyable experience for golfers.
From Land to Success: The Gebbers Family’s Philosophy
In a tribute video, the late Danny Gebbers highlighted the importance of the land in their success. He emphasized that everything started on the land and that it was the foundation of their achievements. The Gebbers family’s philosophy echoes that of Ben Hogan, who believed that “the secret is in the dirt.” Their commitment to their land and their careful approach to business have propelled both their agriculture and golf enterprises to great heights.
Gamble Sands continues to captivate golfers with its remarkable courses and breathtaking setting. As the resort expands with the addition of a second course and more amenities, it is poised to become an even more sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether it’s the allure of the land or the exceptional golf experience, Gamble Sands has firmly established itself as a rising star in the world of golf.
By: Martin Kaufmann
Title: Gamble Sands: A Rising Golf Destination with Expansion Plans
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/11/01/gamble-sands-is-a-hive-of-activity-with-more-golf-and-lodging-in-the-pipeline/
Published Date: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:00:34 +0000
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