MGS Experience: The Omni Homestead Resort

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia, Hot Springs is home to history. Two of the oldest golf courses in the United States bring life and meaning to this small mountain town. However, it is more than just two golf courses standing the test of time that make this place a home to history. It is a community with a magnificent resort at its heart: The Homestead.

A nod to history

Built in 1892, The Old Course gave life to this amazing tale of history. To this day, The Old Course boasts the longest-standing operational first tee in the United States which greets you with an uphill tree-lined par-5. And, by the way, the main road is on your left. These elements demand the utmost focus as you start your journey on one of the most historic golf venues in the United States. But this isn’t the only piece of history in this small, quaint mountain town.

Williams S. Flynn took on the endeavor of creating The Cascades Course, a two-mile drive south of The Old Course. This was no easy task as other architects had said an 18-hole course wasn’t feasible given the local terrain. Thankfully, Flynn found a way. By 1924, Flynn and his team wrapped up their work and The Cascades Course opened. Little did they know this golf course would become famous and a personal favorite of legendary Sam Snead.

The Old Course

Do not let this 6,099-yard golf course fool you. It is a mountain course and a Donald Ross design to boot. There are blind shots, elevation changes and treacherous greens that will test your patience and speed control. Despite these elements, it is a fun golf course. Who doesn’t love a par-72 layout with six par-5s? I’m not kidding.

I love Donald Ross golf courses for the challenge and creativity they demand around the green. Off the tee, they’re fairly straightforward, as is the case at The Old Course. All this being said, The Old Course is more welcoming to golfers of all skill levels than The Cascades Course. If you’re looking for a more casual round of golf, The Old Course is the best option.

The Cascades Course

The Cascades is 6,908 yards from the tips. With the routing through the mountainous terrain, the actual playing distance is sneaky. There is plenty of elevation change which makes some holes play longer and some shorter, especially on the front nine. The first five holes particularly showcase Flynn’s architectural prowess.

Due to the terrain, there are a handful of sloped fairways which add to the deception of the The Cascades. Barry Ryder, Cascades head golf professional, specifically mentions holes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Most golfers won’t realize how much elevation change there is, a miscue which will inevitably inflate their score.

Nevertheless, there are scoring holes and I found the green complexes to be more manageable than The Old Course. Hitting fairways and avoiding the penalizing rough will help immensely. Holes 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 16 and 17 all offer a chance at birdie with good tee shots. Holes 5, 12, 16 and 17 are the four par-5s. The most daunting tee shot on the entire course might be on hole 12 with its extremely narrow landing area from an elevated tee.

More than golf

For the golfing community, especially Virginians, The Homestead is a familiar name. But when you’re not golfing (or even if you don’t golf at all), The Homestead has you covered.

Warm Springs Pool

The Homestead is more than golf. It is a resort town with history and plenty of other outdoor activities. They have an equestrian center, tremendous hiking, archery, axe throwing, kayaking and much more.

But it is arguably best known for its Warm Springs Pool.

The Warm Springs Pool features a gentlemen’s and ladies’ bathhouse dating back to the 19th Century. The mineral water is crystal clear. This experience is a nod to the history of the area and is one of the best ways to relax during your stay at The Homestead.

Hot Springs Spa and Wellness Center

If you don’t want to leave the comfort of the resort, The Homestead offers their spa and wellness center. A short walk from your lodging, the spa and wellness center can give you the escape from reality that you crave.

Shooting Club

I took part in the shooting club. I’m giving credit to this experience for my performance in Montana. Prior to visiting The Homestead, I had never participated in trap, skeet or clay shooting. Sure, I’ve gone shooting before but not at a simulated, moving target. I didn’t know what to expect or how I would perform.

The shooting club offers individual lessons. My instructor gave me a guided lesson on one of the four skeet fields. This is a blast, literally and figuratively. I highly recommend going as a group which provides a more competitive experience.

You will not go hungry

Whether is fine dining, a casual breakfast or anything in between, The Homestead will satisfy your taste buds.

There are a handful of dining options on the property as well as in Hot Springs itself, including Sam Snead’s Tavern. American Audubon Dining Room and Jefferson’s Restaurant and Taproom are arguably the top dining options.

American Audubon Dining Room offers top-notch fine dining. The dining room looks more like an elegant ballroom. During dinner, a live pianist adds another level of class to the meal.

Jefferson’s Restaurant and Taproom is an excellent option for lunch and dinner or a nightcap.

Virginia is for lovers and community

One of the underlining notes that makes The Homestead special is the community at its heartbeat. The generations of individuals who grew up in Hot Springs or Bath County appreciate and deeply value the history of this location. This is amply demonstrated by staff members, many of whom who have been part of the community for decades.

Two individuals who epitomize this are Mark Fry and Barry Ryder, whom I know personally. Like every staff member, they have dedicated their careers in the golf industry to make The Homestead a memorable experience for resort guests and the surrounding community. If you do visit The Homestead, be sure to ask the staff members what it means to be part of the history and the community.

The Homestead is in my backyard. It is an easy 3.5-hour drive from the MyGolfSpy headquarters in Yorktown, Va. Anyone in Virginia who hasn’t visited The Homestead needs to look into it as a vacation or weekend getaway option. It offers serenity in the backwoods and mountains of Virginia. Every season offers its own unique experience. The golf season is over for 2024. So, if you are exploring golfing options for 2025, be sure to check this out!

Even if you aren’t in Virginia, The Homestead is definitely worth researching no matter where you live. You won’t be disappointed. After all, Virginia is for (golf) lovers and everyone else.