Hello, SPRING!

The excitement of spring is synonymous with the opening of “golf season” around Georgia’s Lake Country, especially as golf’s greatest Sunday approaches.

With a cadre of championship courses and top-ranked golf communities, Lake Oconee has secured its rightful place as an esteemed golfing destination. A flood of visitors will experience our region this spring, whether on the green or on the water. Some with stay for the Masters. Some will stay for good.

Much like the current U.S. Senior Amateur Champion, Rusty Strawn, who is making a move into Cuscowilla. He shares insights with Lake Oconee Living on his new “home course” on page 36 and what it took to take home the trophy last September.

For those looking for that “course away from home,” we take a look at five “Courses You Can Play” on page 27. These semi-private, public, and state park golf courses provide residents and visitors alike with a variety of courses and challenges to play and enjoy.

If you’re considering a different sort of tee time this spring, local chef, Deborah Johnson, shares her recipes for French Tea Cakes on page 19 that are sure to be a hole-in-one for any spring gathering, from bridal brunches and book clubs to Mother’s Day and Easter Sunday.

And while Lake Oconee may be known for its golf, a new Madison restaurant is offering up some of the best courses around. The Dining Room is an upscale eatery showcasing the best in locally sourced cuisine. Each course is paired with wines selected by a Master Sommelier to provide an exquisite dining experience. Take a peek at the beautifully appointed restaurant on page 44.

With spring comes a sense of renewal. Writer and former UGA professor, Leara Rhodes, explores this concept on page 64 by introducing readers to various locals who reflected on their time during the pandemic and the connections they found to help get them through – reflections that became their very own survival plans.

Reading their stories inspired me to reconnect with nature, communities, and new places. One such place could be a quick weekend getaway featured in our Backyard Traveler department on page 77. Atlanta-based travel writer, Lisa Mowry, takes us along to three classic Southern towns known for their music, literature, architecture and good food.

Wherever the sunshine takes you, we invite you to share in our excitement this spring with this special golf issue.

Enjoy!