lower cascades at the homestead

My golf outing at the Lower Cascades could not have been better. The course in in superb condition and the greens are all manicured beautifully. It was a good golf skills test, yet allowed this not so long senior player a fair opportunity. The beauty of the setting makes every hole memorable. Everyone who works there made me feel welcome and seemed to be cheering me on to a great round.

This course is permanently closed. We drove by and they were making hay in the fairways. Looked like a nice course from what we could see.

It is hard to believe this course no longer exist. I saw Sam Snead and his dog on this course on two different occasions. It was sold by one of the recent owners of the Homestead. Word is it has been converted to a private hunting and fishing preserve. From a golfers standpoint, this is a real loss.

The closed the course this year. Apparently for financial reasons. It was a great course. Sad to see it gone...

We did not play the Lower Cascades on our recent visit, in part because it closed around Labor Day, and we heard the closure was likely permanent -- the irrigation system, like the course, is 49 years old, and it needs about $1 million to be replaced.Although I am sorry to see any golf course go, I think this is one of those Robert Trent Jones courses that really does not withstand the test of time. Too many holes (like the par 5 2nd) are replicas of holes on his other courses; and some holes (i, 10, 11 especially) just seem shoehorned in to awkward terrain. But some holes I'll miss. The par 5 seventh was just normal length, but the fairway (and green) curled around a pond, challenging you to go as far right (toward the green) as you dared (or thought you could go!). The par 3 fourth was about 180 yds downhill: just a beautiful view as you watch your shot fly across the sky, the mountains, and then (you hope) land on the green. And I am sorry to see it go because I shot a 38 on the front nine, two over par, my best scoring time ever. (Don't ask about the post-lunch back 9 -- for public consumption, I've forgotten :-) )

I loved this course and I think it was because there was very little "stuff" for me to hit over. There were plenty of place to lose your ball, but I felt the fairways were wide enough the rough cut down enough for any level of player. There is only a small snack bar for hotedogs, pre-made sandwiches and drinks...my reason for the very good and not excellent.

Golf was okay, the greens were in rough shape and the sand was not sand at all, more like a rock garden.

This is a 1964 Robert Trent Jones Sr. layout that just does not get enough play. So they are cutting corners. The tees in particular are pretty shabby. Greens, fairways and rough are much better but not up to luxury resort standards. At the bottom of the recession they were closing this course part of the time. The layout itself is interesting with no two holes alike. We are Owner's club members so we are not subject to hotel greens fees.

This is a $40 golf course at best. I know you pay a premium for "resort golf", but at almost $100 a round, you should really reconsider your choice. The views were impressive at times with very unique holes, but it was not maintained to any sort of tournament standard. Again, not a bad course, and certainly not neglected (except for the disgusting locker room), but not worth more than $40.

I have played all the Homestead courses including the Lower Cascades this past spring. It is a ways from the resort and not on as good shape as the other courses. The clubhouse is old and really just a small proshop with snack bar. Staff were very nice. The weather was great and course was empty. The biggest difference from the other Homestead courses is the condition. You can tell they don't spend as much money on this course, but it was still in real good shape. The greens were very nice. The layout is fantastic. Most of the holes are pleasing to the eye and several are memorable. One tricky hole and you'll know it when you play it. The course is a challenge and requires good shots, but mishits aren't always punished. Scenery is good. I like this course much better than the old course, it feels more like a modern course, which compared to the old course, it is. It is a good tune up for The Cascades. Would be happy to play it again.

My Dad and I golfed this course and we loved it so much we golfed it again later in the week. This course is spectacular with wide fairways. It's long and is a challenge but well worth the price. I hope to play it again next summer.