Quicksands: short-course thrills with slopes, sound, and shared laughs

Quicksands in Brewster turns the short course idea into an experience. It is a walking-only loop with 14 par-3 holes that move fast and ask for imagination from the first swing. Quicksands is one of three courses at the Gamble Sands Resort.

Quicksands Fast Facts

Course Overview

Quicksands is about creativity. The course runs across rolling ground with holes that range from 60 to 180 yards. Designer David McLay Kidd built playful contours that let you bank shots, putt from tees, and use the slopes to feed the ball toward the flag. Hole names like Plinko, Crater, and Donut hint at the variety.

Those traits change how you choose targets. You will score by landing short and using the slopes rather than firing straight at pins. Front-edge landings often release a few paces. Sideboards can turn a safe line into a tight look. Music on the course sets a relaxed tempo, but the greens still demand touch. Pick the club that lets you flight the ball low and let the ground do the rest.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

• Expect 60 to 180 yard shots that reward bump-and-run and flighted wedges.

• Use backstops and funnels when a direct carry brings a miss long.

• On “Plinko,” a left or right sideboard can turn a safe line into a birdie try.

• Bowled surrounds allow putter from the tee when wind picks up.

• When a tier guards the front, land on the apron and ride the slope.

• If you short-side on a steep face, play long and let the bank feed it back.

• When greens firm up, land two paces short of your number and trust release.

• Read big breaks early, then match pace rather than forcing the high line.

• In crosswind, start the ball on the upwind board and let it work back.

• Embrace variety within the group. Different clubs can find the same funnel.

Amenities & Practice

Warm up on the resort’s range, then test speed and reads on the Cascade Putting Course. The short loop is a brisk walk that works for a single or a group. The property supports casual rounds and repeat loops when daylight allows.

Food & Beverage

Danny Boy Bar & Grill serves meals and drinks on site for pre or post round stops.

Rates / Booking / Local Tips

Book online and plan for walking only. Quicksands plays in a May through October window, with the best pace in the morning or late afternoon. Groups can play in relaxed formats, and eightsomes are welcome on this course. Quicksands rewards players who club for front-edge yardages and use the ground to reach tucked pins.

How to Score Here

• Build your round on front-edge numbers at Quicksands, then let slopes feed the ball.

• On windy days, play lower flighted shots and favor banks over direct carries.

• Use putter from the tee when a smooth ramp or bowl leads to the hole.

• Aim for the wide side of the green when a funnel can bring the ball back.

• Do not chase every pin. Find the safe tier and accept a longer uphill putt.

Final Word

Quicksands turns short-yardage golf into smart, joyful shotmaking where slopes, speed control, and imagination carry the day.

This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.