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The Old Course at the Homestead

The Homestead Old Course differs slightly from the Lower Cascades and Cascades Courses but certainly contains its own charm. Besides having the oldest continuous first tee still in use in America, the course, situated a stones throw from the resort itself, is a short yet entertaining Donald Ross design which underwent a one-million dollar facelift by Rees Jones. The small greens and rolling fairways define the layout while keeping the course fairly challenging. The fact that the Old course has six par threes, six par fours and six par fives further adds to enjoyment, and creates a truly unique golf experience.  The better golfer will salivate at the thought of six par fives, though they are not all easily attacked.  Do not be fooled by the relatively short length of 6,211 yards, there is plenty of challenge in the Old Course. The layout is in fact perfect for a round shortly after a late check-in, as it tests golfers yet allows some room to get warm for the
Cascades. 

The 465-yard par five third is a good example of what the course offers. A gentle dogleg playing into an elevated and very small green offers a sense of the course characteristics.  While the hole is obviously reachable the forest right and bunker left provide a worthy challenge for those looking to make eagle.

The 163-yard downhill par three fifth can be tricky due to elevation and the thin air, making club selection a chore. Be wary of two large greenside bunkers.  Missing short left will leave a relatively easy chip but missing long can prove costly.

The 383-yard sixth is an interesting hole. A well hit drive sets up an approach to a green well protected by pot bunkers and elevated excessively. Miss left if at all.

The 381-yard 10th plays downhill to an accessible green protected by bunkers. Be mindful of the right to left slope of the fairway and green, as this undulating fairway is eager to produce a hook lie.  The bunker short left is tricky as buried lies abound.

Outstanding par fives at 12 and 13, the Old Course's signature holes, are highlighted by small greens and elevation changes.  The twelfth plays uphill, before turning right at the ridge to a large green, which is the most receptive on the course.  The 13th is a 581-yard test sweeping swiftly downhill, and if ever an amateur wanted to hit a 300-yard drive, this would be the place to try.  The hole begins its ascent back up to the green at about 150 yards out, and care must be taken when approaching this green, by far the smallest and most shallow on the course.  Note: When going to the next tee there is a path to a lookout, which is the best place to take in the glorious hotel.

The sixteenth might be the hardest par three at the resort.  Though measuring only 169-yards from the back tees, it plays uphill with two massive bunkers guarding short right and left.  However it is the flat green that presents the challenge, as it is near impossible to hold the green if it is playing fast, leaving a knee-knocking putt or chip back down the hill.  Good luck.

The seventeenth, a 354-yard par four demands a slightly blind tee shot mindful of avoiding the trees on the right. Interesting choices abound as this gem can be played in many different ways.  The hotel creates an inspiring backdrop setting the stage for a picturesque approach at dusk. 

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