Reynolds Lake Oconee has been providing a world-class golf experience and active luxury lifestyle for residents and guests of the resort destination community for since the mid-1980s.
Families quickly came to recognize the natural beauty of both the river and the Oconee forest, plus the outdoor recreation available. As more and more guests decided to “linger longer,” they turned short vacations in to multiple day family retreats. Many Atlanta residents now own second homes at Reynolds Lake Oconee or commute into the city for work.
By 1982, the river had become Lake Oconee, and Reynolds Lake Oconee was founded. Today, it has evolved into a globally recognized resort, community and club, defined by the welcoming traditions of Southern hospitality, the spirit to ‘Linger Longer,’ and the consistent rhythms and beauty of the Oconee Forest and its magnificent lake. 
The community centers around the 20,000 acre Lake Oconee, but six golf courses have also been built to add to the overall enjoyment of the residents.
The Landing.
The Landing was the first club to be built on Lake Oconee. It was designed Bob Cupp and opened for play in 1986. It was originally called Port Armor that was later merged into the Reynolds. It winds through natural woods and over rolling terrain with three holes wrapping along the lake shoreline. It is a challenging course known for fast greens and demanding shots.
The Preserve Course.
Bob Cupp, along with Fuzzy Zoeller and Hubert Green, also designed the Preserve in 1988. The Preserve was the first course built for solely for Reynolds. The course never quite touches Lake Oconee, but it plays along numerous smaller water hazards. It is heavily wooded with the native tall pines. The fairways are wide and forgiving, but it is also hilly and produces many uneven lies.
Great Waters.
Jack Nicklaus was contracted to build the Great Waters course in 1992. It is regularly cited as one of Nicklaus’ most playable courses, but by no means is it a pushover. The front nine plays through forest and the lake does not come into play until No. 9.
Six of the nine holes on the back side, however, play along or across water. Most of the water hazards run parallel to line of play, but there is no shortage of challenge. Good scoring, however, does depend on taking some chances.
The National.
Renowned golf architect, Tom Fazio designed the first two nine-hole courses, the Ridge and the Bluff at the National club in 1997. An additional nine holes, the Cove, opened for play in 2000.
Natural pine forests, rolling landscape, and the dramatic lakefront all add to the National’s beauty. Lush Azaleas and flowering dogwoods are reminiscent of nearby Augusta National.
If you let the beauty of the golf course distract you, the 17th and 18th holes are ready to destroy your scorecard.
The Oconee.
Rees Jones is well-known for his work restoring and revising classic U.S. Open courses. In 2002, Jones built a traditional, classically structured course the Oconee. Several holes mix risk with reward and the broad fairways entice pulling the driver on the tee.
The lake is only in play on the final few holes. It borders the par-4 18th from tee to green.
The Creek Club.
The first course built exclusively for members was designed by Jim Engh in 2007. Engh likes to design expansive courses and was given plenty of room for the Creek Club course. The course features wide, strongly canted fairways, as well as, large bunkers and slivers of lake dividing and defining a handful of holes. Many greens are bowl-shaped and player-friendly, while the final hole has three different greens, for the superintendent to change the pin placement daily.
In addition to a variety of great golf and a beautiful lake, Reynolds Lake Oconee is home to the Ritz Carlton, as well as, several dining options around the property. It is a first-class resort in every regard and one that you will not regret visiting.
Learn more about Reynolds Lake Oconee in this video created for Back 9 Report TV on Roku.
