By Fred Altvater
What’s old is being made new again at the Omni Homestead Resort in the Alleghany Mountains in Western Virginia.
This historic resort has been entertaining guests, including 23 U.S. presidents, for over 250 years. A recent $140 million renovation has restored this national treasure to grandeur. Every part of the resort has seen improvements including, a two-acre water park, two top-ranked golf courses, the spa and eight charming restaurants to provide an unforgettable dining experience.
Omni Homestead features two classic golf courses, The Cascades and The Old Course, that are pleasing to the eye and a joy to play.
The Old Course sits directly behind the hotel and has been in continuous use since its opening in 1892. It boasts updates by William Flynn and Donald Ross and is always in tournament condition.
At just under 6,100 yards from the tips this par 72 may seem a bit short by modern standards, but the rolling terrain with sidehill lies and elevation changes make choosing the correct club challenging.
Beautiful views of the surrounding hillsides and the historic Omni Homestead Hotel add to the overall experience on the Old Course.
The Cascades course has long been regarded as one of the finest mountain courses in the country. This William Flynn design opened for play in 1923 and has been recognized as one of the very best in Virginia ever since.
A par 71, it can be stretched to just under 7,000 yards and will provide a true test for even the best golfer. A total of four tee options, 6,900 yards, 6,200 yards, 5,500 yards and 4,900 yards, assure every skill level of golfer will enjoy their round.
The 210-yard, par 3, fourth hole is the Cascades signature hole. The green sits some 50 feet below the tee box and following your ball flight, as it hangs in the air, against the nearby mountainside is a special treat.
When Flynn was first approached to build the course, he said it couldn’t be done because there just wasn’t enough acreage to create 18 holes. A dairy farm that bordered the property was purchased by the resort which added enough land to eventually build the course. An old family cemetery is still maintained near one of the tee boxes.
The Spa at Omni Homestead offers total relaxation and expert care. The resort stresses health and wellness for the entire body and offers a variety of services to soothe achy muscles and relax a weary mind.
Dining opportunities at the resort include fine dining, as well as casual. The American Audubon Dining Room, Jefferson’s Restaurant and Rubino’s at the Cascades are perfect for an upscale dining experience, while the Taproom and Woody’s have more traditional comfort food in a casual setting.
Another unique aspect of the Omni Homestead Resort, Hall of Fame golfer, Sam Snead grew up nearby and spent his life at the Homestead. During your visit chat up golf professionals Barry Ryder and Mark Fry for entertaining stories about the irascible Snead.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit the Omni Homestead for the bright colors painted across the surrounding hillsides. Regardless of the season, any time spent at The Omni Homestead Resort is guaranteed to be memorable.
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