Location
Hot Springs, Virginia
Hole #12

Course Description
The 6,679-yard course, par-70, follows the natural slope of hilly terrain dense with vegetation. Fairways cut through thick forest and dense terrain with tall trees framing most of the holes.

Details
The fairway on this par-4, 476-yard hole is full of mounds and a bad bounce will kick the ball into the trees that squeeze tight on both sides. The hole then bends to the left, away from the mountainside that looms close on the right.

Why is it rated so highly?
After millions spent modernizing, The Homestead is both a National Historic Landmark and the most rugged mountain course in the country. All the holes reward strategy, but particularly the 12th, starting with its tee, which is cut into the side of a hill.

How do you play it?
Beware of the cross bunkers 100 yards short of the green. The green itself is long and narrow, and hard to hit no matter what club you're using, fairway wood to wedge. A par here is well earned.

Course Trivia
The young Sam Snead caddied at the Cascades course, and learned to play golf there, often in his bare feet.

Green Fees
$205 Cascades, $110 Old Course and Lower Cascades

Distance Markers
Metal stakes mark 100, 150 and 200 yards

Course Type
Walk or ride, caddies available but not required

Contact
The Homestead
U.S. Route 220 Main Street
P.O. Box 2000
Hot Springs, VA 24445
540-839-1766
www.thehomestead.com