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TRAVEL
OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE
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SPRING 2017
rank among the top public courses in
the country, and both offer superb lodg-
ing ideal for a golf vacation, or as a hub
to experience the wealth of the region's
recreational activities.
Gamble Sands and The Inn at Gam-
ble Sands overlook the Columbia River
and high desert of North Central Wash-
ington. Kidd described the location as a
"once-in-a-lifetime site that every de-
signer dreams of," and golfers quickly
became aware of that when the links-
style course opened in 2014. And while
golf is the main drawing point, General
Manager David Christenson says the
views and amenities are a close second.
"Visitors to The Inn appreciate the
close proximity to the golf course, the
majestic views of the Columbia River
and Cascades mountain range in the
distance, and the oversized rooms with
gas fireplaces," he said. "Guests tend to
gather in the evenings at one of the out-
door fire pits and talk about their round
or simply enjoy relaxing in the large hot
tub and taking in the sunset."
The Inn at Gamble Sands opened last
September, and features the aforemen-
tioned spacious rooms along with the
Danny Boy Grill, which serves locally
sourced food as well as local craft beer
and wine from nearby wineries.
Another interesting feature about
The Inn, Christenson says, is that it was
designed so it wouldn't be seen by
golfers playing the course.
"We wanted to maintain the views on
the course and not have the experience
impacted by roof lines," he said. "I be-
lieve guests cherish the remoteness of
the property. There are no homes – just
pure golf with warm hospitality."
But while the serenity and ambiance
of The Inn are a big selling point, it's
the 7,169-yard Gamble Sands course
that really has people talking. Kidd de-
signed a layout that offers both serenity
and challenge, Christenson says.
"The course features favorable con-
tours, speed slots and fine fescue
grasses throughout, which makes it
play firm and fast, and creates the ball
movement that you would expect from
a links course," he said. "Nothing was
imported to build the course, and if
[Kidd] wanted a bunker all he had to
do was remove the sage brush and na-
tive grasses. The layout is completely
natural and really fun to play. We have
a lot of players come off the course and
gamble sands features a fun-filled golf course
and top-notch accommodations at the inn (top).
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