A Golfer’s Guide to Georgia’s
Reynolds Lake Oconee
By SHANE SHARP
O
ne of the unfailingly cool things about pure golf destinations is their existence in the most unlikely of places. Hanging from a cliff in Oregon, like Bandon Dunes. Carved from the sandhills of North Carolina and Wisconsin, like Pinehurst and Sand Valley. Or even in the middle of a retired phosphate strip mine, like Streamsong. By these lofty standards of remoteness, Reynolds Lake Oconee isn’t just accessible, it’s downright convenient. Georgia’s largest golf destination is situated midway between the Atlanta metro area and iconic Augusta, just 90-minutes from either. Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. are a 2.5 and 3.5-hour drive, respectively, putting it in play for thousands of golf-crazed Carolinians. One part luxury resort, two parts private golf community and overall pure golf nirvana, Reynolds Lake Oconee is home to five courses ranked among the best in the country by the holy trinity of Golf Digest, Golfweek and GOLF Magazine, a stunning Ritz-Carlton hotel, sporting grounds with clays, 18 Golf Vacations • March 2022
archery and off-road driving, and over 376 miles of shoreline flowing along a 12,000-acre freshwater lake. Unlike “golf for golf’s sake” destinations, there are myriad ways to experience Reynolds Lake Oconee. It can easily facilitate a golf buddy trip with is 90 holes of resort golf designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Bob Cupp. Onsite cottages (more on this to come, below) can easily accommodate groups of any size. Note: The Creek Course onsite is a members-only, private course, whereas the other five courses are open to resort guests and members. Bestowed with numerous “best for families” awards, Reynolds Lake Oconee is equally adept at hosting a couples’ golf retreat or family golf trip with premier lodging at the lakefront Ritz-Carlton, fine dining, seemingly unlimited activities and inspiring sunrises best savored with a cup of coffee overlooking the lake. With all this stated, here are a few tips for anyone considering a golf sojourn to this golf shrine of the Southeast. www.golfvacationsmag.com
