The Homestead Old Course offers an authentic, heritage-rich mountain golf experience shaped by Donald Ross’s classic vision. With a unique 6-6-6 par layout, dramatic elevation changes, and the oldest first tee in America, it’s a round steeped equally in history and shotmaking intrigue. While not a major national draw, its charm and storytelling run deep for anyone who values classic golf in a storied setting.
Pause at the Old Course’s first tee — the oldest in continuous use in America — and soak in the sense of golf history before you swing.
The Homestead Old Course blends mountain drama with timeless design, thanks to Donald Ross’s inventive routing across rolling Allegheny terrain. Rather than impose his own style, Ross embraced the site’s natural undulations, making forced carries, blind shots, and uneven stances integral to the experience. The result is a compact yet dynamic layout with small, frequently saucer-like greens that demand touch over muscle, and a distinctive six par-3, six par-4, six par-5 structure that keeps the round unpredictable from start to finish.
Donald Ross’s hand is felt in every wrinkle and pitch, producing a historic routing that aligns the holes to both scenery and strategic intrigue.
At 575 yards, this lengthy par 5 winds through rolling slopes and demands careful management of both placement and trajectory. Elevation changes shape both the tee shot and the approach, with uneven lies everywhere and a narrow green perched at the end of the challenge.
Play for ideal angles—layup spots with level stances set up birdie chances; aggressive play punishes poor footing.
Miss left or get stuck on a sidehill and you’ll struggle to find your footing or your next shot.
Challenging and well-kept, with mountain lies and uneven stances adding complexity over pristine flatness.
Resort pace — generally relaxed but can slow during peak travel weekends.
Classic, historic, and genteel; every round feels like a step back in American golf time.
Standard resort golf attire expected.
Mountain conditions can shift quickly — layers and rain gear are wise.
You’ll cover elevation and uneven terrain, so prioritize support even if taking a cart.
Practice stance and swing adjustments to handle the frequent sidehill and downhill situations.
Six-hole course established at The Homestead Resort
President William McKinley plays a round — first sitting U.S. president to golf in office
Expanded to a full 18-hole layout
Donald Ross oversees a major redesign
Rees Jones restoration modernizes the course
Golfers step onto a tee box that’s been in continuous use longer than any other in the United States, grounding every round in true American golf lore. The sense of tradition is palpable as you open your round where so many have begun since 1892.
In 1899, President William McKinley made golf history here as the first sitting U.S. president to play while in office, adding presidential legacy to the Old Course’s mystique. His round at the Homestead was reported nationwide and set a tradition future presidents would follow.
The course’s unusual composition — six par 3s, six par 4s, six par 5s — guarantees a round like no other, continually shifting the rhythm of play. Each stretch presents its own pacing and scoring opportunities, putting both nerve and versatility to the test.
Donald Ross didn’t fight the mountain terrain, instead channeling its slopes, uneven lies, and natural contours into a uniquely challenging and authentic resort round. The result is a walk through architectural history, where every elevation asks a new question.
The Old Course’s first tee has been in continuous use since 1892, the oldest in the country.
The 6-6-6 design (six par 3s, 4s, and 5s) is a rare layout among American courses.
In 1899, President McKinley became the first sitting president to play a round of golf — and he did it here.
The Old Course is playably compact yet features over 300 feet of elevation change, making for a physically engaging round.
Ross’s 1913 renovation is considered one of the finest early mountain adaptations in American golf.
The region’s true trophy course and a nationally ranked destination, with Tillinghast pedigree and dramatic mountain holes.
Stay onsite at The Omni Homestead Resort for seamless golf, dining, and spa indulgence, or choose Hot Springs/Covington nearby for convenience.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Mount Washington Golf Resort is a natural next stop after Homestead Old Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Ballyneal Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Homestead Old Course.
Why it matches: Dismal River Club Red Course is a natural next stop after Homestead Old Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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