Omni Resorts & Hotels enhancing multiple courses

Omni Homestead Cascades Course undergoing tree removal in key areas.


Three courses in the Omni Hotels & Resorts golf collection, including the historic Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., are undergoing renovations.

The Omni Homestead is enhancing its Cascades Course, regarded as one of the finest mountain course in the country, designed by architect William S. Flynn in the 1920s. Most of the work will involve tree removal in key areas to expose the creeks running along several fairways while affecting strategy and shot selection throughout the layout.

The project is underway, now that the resort’s golf courses have closed for the winter. The Omni Homestead also is home to the Old Course, completed by Flynn in 1892 and home of the nation's oldest first tee in continuous use. Both courses are scheduled to reopen on April 7, 2017.

The first of two course renovations is finished at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, home to two championship Greg Norman-designed courses and the world headquarters of The Leadbetter Golf Academy. The International Course has reopened for the winter season after undergoing a complete restoration of all 18 greens and greenside bunker complexes, returning them to their original sizes, look, and feel.

Under the direction of the Greg Norman Golf Course Design group, these were the first enhancements to the coastal-links-style International Course since it debuted 16 years ago. Changes to the turfgrass have produced firmer and faster playing conditions, more consistent greens, better weather tolerance and exceptional playing conditions for years to come.

Next up, the National Course, also at Omni Orlando, is set to undergo a similar restoration project in spring of 2017. The upgrade is part of a multi-faceted, $40 million expansion of the luxury destination.