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HOT SPRINGS, VA -- It all started
with seven people in hot water. Such a simple and basic statement only suggests what it then became-but what
we now call The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, began with a
traveling physician's discovery and subsequent diary entry mentioning some
naturally warm and hot mineral springs in 1750 (along with seven folks
soaking in them).
Adding to the irony, the area became a resort sixteen years later
because of a land grant from the Virginia Colony’s government to
a military officer.
It’s hard to imagine what it must’ve
been like back then for travelers—10 years before the signing of
the Declaration of Independence and 20+ years before the adoption
and ratification of our Constitution--and in the middle of a wild
and untamed wilderness. Time puts things in perspective, but one
theme seems to come through the years unmodified since the inception—luxury.
The Homestead in 2001 boasts luxury
and relaxation in abundance. The golf found there is amongst the
finest you’ll find anywhere, as noted many times in respected publications
such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine (which up until this year
bestowed upon the resort a Gold Medal, one of only 18 in the entire
United States. This year, it won a Silver.). The resort’s three
courses were all designed by legendary golf architects—Donald Ross
for The Old Course (with additions made by Rees Jones), William
S. Flynn for The Cascades, and Robert Trent Jones for the Lower
Cascades. I’ve highlighted each unique golf experience in a separate
article.
First off, I’ll note that The Homestead
was acquired by Dallas based Club Corp in 1994, which (under the
direction of the Pinehurst Company) has spent millions in upgrades
on the resort—everything from the refurbishment of the main hotel
building to an upgrade of The Old Course. The changes no doubt brought
The Homestead to where it is today.
I brought my two little ones to the meal, who felt just as much
at home in their Sunday best as I did—and we all enjoyed the live
music and dancing on the ballroom floor. Quite a grand experience
for all of us.
As a side note, Snead makes regular
visits to The Homestead’s practice facilities and loves to hit balls.
He doesn’t play many rounds in his late 80’s, but still hits ‘em
sweeter than most of us ever will on the range.
All that’s found at The Homestead
can’t be covered in an overview, and really needs to be experienced
to be believed. It’s simply a timeless journey to a fine destination
in what seems like another world. So the next time you’re in hot
water, shed a glance towards the horizon—and maybe a good time’s
waiting for you.