2153 yds
Closest to the pin
Classic Redan. Left is dead, but the smart shot rides the right slope onto the green. A bold miss right can still save par.
Round 1 · Saturday · 1:15 PM
Scarecrow
Par71
Yardage6,261
ArchitectsMcLay Kidd & Schaan
CharacterWindy, steep
Scarecrow will be many things to many golfers, but there's no denying it is one of the most visually compelling courses anywhere in North America, with sweeping views of the Columbia River.
Rankings
5 listingsWinnerGolf DigestBest New Public Course2025
WinnerSports IllustratedBest New Resort Course2025
T73GolfweekTop 200 Resort Courses2026
T97GolfweekTop 100 Courses You Can Play2026
No. 4GolfweekBest in Washington2026
Design legacy
The second 18-hole course to open at Gamble Sands, slightly more than a decade after the first. David McLay Kidd collaborated with his design partner Nick Schaan in a creative competition of sorts between the two. The goal was to use Scarecrow's steeper landscape while creating an adventure with its own identity, despite echoes of the original.
Dramatic elevation
Significant elevation changes give breathtaking views of the Columbia River Valley and the surrounding desert. Many holes play uphill or downhill, so club selection matters more than the card suggests.
- Panoramic views from elevated tees
- Strategic use of natural terrain
- Elevation changes affect distance
Featured hole — 9th, par 3
Perhaps the most scenic spot on the entire property. With the Columbia River looming in the background, it takes a concerted effort to focus on the task at hand. A short and fun shot over the bunker to find the green — slopes on the right edge will funnel balls towards it. Your potential ace awaits.
The Card
Par 71 · 6,261 ydsFront nine
Hole
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Par
4
3
5
3
4
5
4
4
3
Yards
367
153
506
184
283
566
385
434
148
Hcp
3
9
11
5
17
15
1
7
13
Back nine
Hole
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Par
4
3
5
4
4
5
3
4
4
Yards
434
126
461
415
463
502
156
382
296
Hcp
4
18
16
8
2
10
12
6
14
Hole
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Par
4
3
5
3
4
5
4
4
3
4
3
5
4
4
5
3
4
4
Yards
367
153
506
184
283
566
385
434
148
434
126
461
415
463
502
156
382
296
Hcp
3
9
11
5
17
15
1
7
13
4
18
16
8
2
10
12
6
14
Contest Holes
+1 pt each3506 yds
Long drive
Uphill but inviting. The fairway is wide — let it rip. Two solid strikes and you'll be putting for birdie (or better) early.
4184 yds
Closest to the pin
The longest one out here, and a trap for anyone swinging too hard. Play a low runner and bounce it on. Long is jail.
6566 yds
Long drive
All downhill and tempting. Carry the left fairway bunkers and you'll have a clean look at the green. Safer route is right, wedge on, tap in birdie.
9148 yds
Closest to the pin
Scenic and short, but don't lose focus. Aim right and let the slope feed it in. A great look at an ace — just don't get caught admiring the view.
11126 yds
Closest to the pin
Plays from high above Chicken River. A full swing wedge and a bit of nerve. Let the altitude and adrenaline do the rest.
12461 yds
Long drive
Bite off as much as you can on the tee — the further right you go, the shorter your second. Clear the bunker and it feeds into a punchbowl.
15502 yds
Long drive
Blind tee shot over the ridge. Trust it. Down the left gives you an angle to sneak one on. Miss short-right and the bunker's got you.
16156 yds
Closest to the pin
Downhill finish for the par 3s. The green is receptive — just trust the number and don't overswing. This one wants to be stiffed.