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The Face of Courage
OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT
a Robert Trent Jones Sr. gem dropped into
an arboretum, is a compact, lay-of-the-land
design with a sterling collection of par 3s.
Let out the shaft on the Shoe’s newer,
more expansive Green Course, designed by
Rees Jones, but don’t miss the nine-hole,
executive-length Spotswood Golf Course,
a miniature version of the Gold Course.
The Revolutionary City’s historic taverns
are a welcome respite from the usual postround watering holes. Dozens of unique
craft shops carry authentic reproductions,
from pewter teapots to white-powdered wigs
(colonialwilliamsburg.com; 757-220-7696).
OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT
Hot Springs, Va.
Home to four of the first five U.S. presidents,
the Old Dominion boasts a resort that dates
to 1766, a resort that has been “serving the
republic since before there was a republic.”
Renowned for natural hot springs that have
long attracted travelers eager to “take the
cure,” The Homestead is nestled in a sleepy
valley enclosed by the Allegheny Mountains,
the white clock tower of its storybook red
brick hotel the tallest landmark for miles.
The legendary Cascades Course, arguably
the finest mountain course in America, is a
1923 William S. Flynn design shoehorned
into the rolling, wooded landscape that
demands all the shots from its tricky canted
terrain. Site of numerous VSGA and USGA
championships, the Cascades is where Hot
Springs homeboy Sam Snead refined his
classic, syrupy swing. Seeking something
less testing? The Old Course, home to the
nation’s oldest first tee in continuous use
(1892), is a walker-friendly, strategic marvel
from the forward tees.
Accommodations within this refurbished
hotel are beautifully appointed, while the
spa is an oasis of luxury known for its superb
treatments and refreshing hot springs. Pause
for cocktails in the Lobby Bar adjacent to
the Great Hall, an elegant 240-foot-long
room supported by a forest of Corinthian
columns, followed by dinner at Jefferson’s,
a modern American grill featuring farm-totable regional cuisine. When the weather
is pleasant, seating is available on an
outdoor terrace overlooking the Casino
Lawn, a lovely prospect (omnihotels.com/
hotels/homestead-virginia; 800-843-6664).
Author Brian McCallen is a writer from
Stonington, Conn., and a regular contributor
to Virginia Golfer.
Visitors in need of a recharge at The Homestead can
take in poolside relaxation.
These days Compton would much prefer
to be known as a professional athlete who
happens to have two heart transplants
and not the two-heart transplant guy who
happens to play golf.
He’s cognizant of everything that affects
his body, from allergies to the common
cold to his diet. Compton found he can’t
play a rigorous schedule. He gets tired.
Three weeks in a row is probably the
maximum. Compton says it gives him a
better appreciation for Tiger Woods’ run
as the world’s best player for so long, when
Woods could take time off and still be sharp.
Plus he’d rather not be a nomad with a
loving family at home.
Compton’s schedule still includes
tirelessly promoting and