Virginia's oldest golf course, the 'Old Course,' is situated at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. Tucked in the Allegheny Mountains and established in 1892, the Old Course represents a historic pilgrimage for any dedicated U.S. golfer. Here are four key things you should know about this course.

1. The Old Course hosts America’s oldest first tee in continuous use since 1892

Golfers have been teeing off this first hole more than any other in US history. Currently, the first hole on the Old Course is Par 5 at 475 yards when you hit from the blues. This first tee shot is challenging with out-of-bounds on the left and overhanging trees on the right.

A solid drive offers the opportunity for longer hitters to reach the green in two shots. The green itself is guarded by a bunker on the left and a steep hill on the right, with a relatively flat surface that slopes slightly from back to front, influencing the ball's bounce and roll. Good luck!

2. More US presidents have played The Old Course than any other public course in US history

The Old Course has hosted more US Presidents than any other public course with William McKinley in 1899 being the first sitting President to play there. Presidents including Taft, Coolidge, and Wilson have graced the course, with Wilson playing every morning during his honeymoon and Coolidge only playing once. Later, Richard Nixon visited and George W. Bush played both courses in 2015.

3. The distinctive 6×6×6 layout 

This 6,099-yard golf course boasts a unique layout with six par 3s, six par 4s, and six par 5s, providing a varied and engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The 13th hole is longest hole course at 568 yards while the shortest is the second hole at 153 yards.

4. Where a Virginia golfing legend was made

Virginia golfing legend and 7-time major winner Sam Snead got his start at the Old Course and never looked back. Born in nearby Hot Springs, Snead started his illustrious career as a caddie at The Homestead Course when he was just 17 years old. Snead wasn’t just a player; he also crafted hickory-shaft clubs at the Casino (the Old Course pro shop and tennis center) and was part of the construction crew for the Cascades Course. Snead entered the PGA Tour in 1936 and quickly found success, clinching a victory at the West Virginia Closed Pro tournament.

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