The Roanoke Times reported today that The Homestead has closed the Lower Cascades and will sell the property. No maintenance has been performed on the property this year.
Sam Snead played the Lower frequently in his later years. He shot 60 there when he was 72 and I saw him on the property more than once. My brother and I played through him on the par five twelfth hole one afternoon. Funny story, actually, that I can't remember if I've shared on GCA.
Three or four calendar years ago the Lower spent a year closed for play. Minimal maintenance was conducted but there just wasn't enough demand to operate the course. I played the course last June. It was empty outside of my group.
In related news, I heard today that the Cascades is only open four days a week now.
WW