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. |