Cascades Golf Course (Omni)- Hot Springs, VA

Despite my fondness for historic hotels, Omni Homestead was a one and done for me. Although I loved its history (and architecture), it was too impersonal and family friendly. However, I have lots of love for their classic William Flynn designed golf course, one of the most beautiful mountain courses in the United States. 

Designed by William Flynn in 1923, the course was built on land deemed unsuitable for golf by AW Tillinghast. Flynn disagreed, and literally moved mountains and diverted streams to create the course. What emerged was a fantastic, timeless track, where the great Sam Snead got his start.

Sam left The Cascades in 1936 for a more lucrative pro position at The Greenbrier– and I can’t say I blame him. However, regardless of my undying love for The Greenbrier, The Cascades is far superior to The Old White, in every way- including its ridiculously photogenic 1894 clubhouse, which was surely the site of fabulous Gatsbyesque Gilded Age soirées.

Considered one of the best golf courses in Virginia, The Cascades will be challenging for most players. It is also obscenely expensive- however, the Homestead resort is so large, if it wasn’t prohibitively expensive, it would be uncomfortably crowded. For casual players, the Old Course, adjacent to the resort, is a better option.