The first thing that stood out was the condition. Everything felt dialed. From the jump, it reminded us a lot of Gamble Sands, which makes sense since they share the same property. But Scarecrow immediately felt like its own thing, especially once you start moving toward the back nine.

The views get bigger. And before you realize it, you are playing high above the Columbia River wondering how this place feels both dramatic and comfortable at the same time.

As a 14 handicap, I will say this straight up. My favorite part of Scarecrow is that it is extremely playable.

I have learned over time that I enjoy courses where I can shoot well far more than courses that make me question whether I actually know how to play golf. Scarecrow fits that perfectly. If you want more difficulty, you can always back it up to the tips. But from the right tees, it lets average golfers play golf instead of just surviving it.

I thought I was going to lose a ton of balls.

The fairways looked narrower than Gamble Sands, and you can see that from your cabin on the property. That had me a little nervous. But once we got going, that fear disappeared quickly. The course is scorable. I did not lose many balls at all. While I would say Scarecrow is more difficult than Gamble Sands, that extra challenge never took away from the fun.

It felt harder, but fair. That matters.

What also surprised me was how Scarecrow feels like it belongs on the property without feeling like a copy. You can see Gamble Sands from different angles throughout the round, which is a cool experience on its own. But Scarecrow stands on its own. Two distinct courses. Two different personalities. Same incredible setting.

Somewhere on the back nine, you start mentally re-ranking every course you have ever played.

There is something about seeing the Columbia River from above that just sticks with you. Hole after hole, the views get better. The shots get more interesting. And the course slowly moves from really good to something you know you will be talking about for a long time.

Then you get to the signature par 3, hole 11.

For me, it is the best par 3 I have ever played. 145 yards. 9 iron. Beautiful setting. Nothing gimmicky. Just a great hole that demands a good swing.

I hit a perfect shot. Right on line. I could not see the ball perfectly because I hit it into the sun, but Cameron could. There was a pause and Cameron said he thought he saw it fall.

It did.

I ended up being the first person to ever record a hole in one on the course. On the coolest hole on the property. That is a hard story to beat.

The takeaway from all three of us was the same.

We want to go back. As soon as possible.

Yes, Scarecrow is beautiful. Yes, it is in incredible shape. But what separates it is how playable it is. A lot of beautiful courses sacrifice playability, especially for average golfers. Scarecrow does not. It challenges you without punishing you. It rewards good shots without making bad ones feel like disasters.

That balance is rare, at least in what I have played.

I am not a Golf Digest writer. I am just an average guy who loves golf and feels incredibly grateful to have played Scarecrow in 2025.

But after walking off that course, the ranking makes sense.

Scarecrow is not trying to impress you with tricks. It is not built for Instagram first. It is built for golf. Thoughtful shots. Interesting angles. Big views. And a layout that works for everyone.

Honestly, Scarecrow is for absolutely everyone. I would not say that if I did not mean it.

If you love golf. If you love courses that feel fair. If you enjoy places that stick with you long after the round is over. You should try to play it.

I did not walk off thinking about my score. I walked off thinking about when I could come back.

That is what the best new public course of 2025 should feel like.

For the 2026 season, Scarecrow and Gamble Sands use seasonal pricing, with 18-hole rates generally landing in the $225–$275 range for day guests, and slightly lower for those staying on property. Rates include a golf cart, and replay rounds are available at a discounted price, which makes it a great place to settle in and play more than once.

Tee times for Scarecrow are booked directly through the Gamble Sands website, whether you are planning a single round or a full stay-and-play trip. Lodging options overlook the courses and the Columbia River, and booking everything together keeps the experience simple and seamless.

There’s more to my hole in one story than I mentioned above. Check out our Instagram post to see what I am talking about!