There is no joy in posting a disappointing updated course profile on the current status of the Cascades course, especially for someone like me who grew up in Virginia where this Flynn design was the state's one claim to a course of world renown.
When I first saw it in the late 1970s, I confess to not thinking that it lived up to its hype, primarily because I questioned just how good the front nine was with a highway bordering more than half its holes. With time and twenty plus more rounds, I came to admire holes like the 2nd and 7th with their sloping fairways. The 9th was always a wild and tumbling hole and the 4th gained appreciation for being a real card wrecker. The striking back nine with its seclusion in a river valley and its natural water hazards was always full of appeal. Throw in its unique 3-5-5-3 finish and the course seemed to be a standout and remind one of no other course. A spot in the back of GOLF's world top 100 seemed about right.
After my last visit in 2003, there was no doubt the bunkers needed work as they were dull and lifeless with drainage issues. Thanks to a Master Plan prepared by Wayne Morrison and Tom Paul, work was done in house to successfully reverse years of bunker neglect. However, nothing else has gone particularly well. Creeks that were once open have been buried under ground at the 5th, 6th, and 10th holes, in particular ruining the 6th. Fairways like the 7th and 12th are stupidly narrow and the course still features some of the worst cart path placements in America (e.g. the inside of the dogleg 17th). Grand views down the valley are obscured by unchecked tree growth.
The good news is that the Resort has an excellent Master Plan in hand that shows them the way forward. In addition, we aren't talking about gobs of money that needs to be spent either. Unfortunately, while the Homestead traded ownership hands in the past two years, my general sense is that no work is being contemplated at present. That's a shame for the Grand Dame of Mountain Courses. It still produces great champions as Bart Bradley found out to his dismay
but the course needs help if it is ever to deserve a return to being among Flynn's most heralded designs.
In the meanwhile, clubs that have acted wisely like Lancaster deserve the spotlight that once shown on the Cascades.
Cheers,