Reynolds Lake Oconee - Lakefront Championship Golf & Exclusive Sporting Grounds
Written by Dawn Wilson
When you are seeking out a destination that offers a weekend of sporting activities, such as championship golf, archery, clay target shooting, off-road driving, and a variety of other sports activities, head to Reynolds Lake Oconee, a 90-minute drive from Atlanta and only 70 miles from Augusta, GA.
This private, lakefront community in Greensboro, GA is home to five championship golf courses that are open to guests and one private course—Creek Club—open only to members. Each course was designed by legendary architects Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, Tom Fazio, and Rees Jones. Golfers meander through 99 holes of rolling hills, woodlands, inlets, and several elevation changes throughout the courses, enabling golfers at every level to truly enjoy their time. The Landing is the original Lake Oconee golf course and put Reynolds Lake Oconee on the map as a premier golfing destination. Designed by Bob Cupp, it has 18 holes, par 72, and is 6,991 yards. The Preserve golf course makes it enjoyable for all golfers because of its naturally rolling terrain. It is also where you will find an exciting six-hole course inside of a course known as the Quick Six. The National has one of the most substantial elevation changes on approach shots and tee to fairway. It has 27 holes and par 72 and is amongst the most challenging layouts, enabling golfers to use multiple golf clubs. The Oconee is set alongside the Lake Oconee shoreline, near The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, and provides the options to shoot over inlets or play along with the tree-lined dogleg corners. Finally, Great Waters is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course. It’s considered timeless and is amongst the most scenic golf courses you’ll ever play.
The Kingdom at Lake Oconee sets your golf vacation apart from others, as it is the heart and soul of what makes these championship golf courses so unforgettable. Here, golfers can have custom club fittings from a TaylorMade Master Club fitter and receive private instruction from some of the industry’s leading instructors. Several golf schools are also offered, which will help you be more effective in course management, especially around the greens. The fantastic staff members can also organize special group events. Non-Golfer Clinics are a great starting point where world-class instructors will take the time to teach you and your group the game’s basic fundamentals. Many visitors fine tune their games at The Kingdom before heading to their preferred courses.
The Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, also located at Reynolds Lake Oconee, opened in 2017 as a world-class sports facility for various outdoor activities. Justin Jones, an international shooting champion from Wales, was hired to bring in the British traditions and a level of authenticity to the sporting grounds. Among the offerings are a challenging 20-station sporting clay course designed to simulate the ones used in Britain, with clay targets at different speeds, angles, trajectories, distances, and elevations. It can accommodate every level of shooter. Visitors can also try out a five-stand, compact version of the sporting clays course, fishing, archery and air rifle, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing.
After a full day of golf or other sporting activities, visitors might want to kick back and enjoy a cold brew or a hearty meal. There is no shortage of delicious restaurants to choose from at Reynolds Lake Oconee. A favorite amongst visitors is The National Tavern, conveniently situated near the National Cottages (available to rent) and alongside the National Golf Course. It is truly the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a couple of beers, cocktails, or any other types of spirits that you may choose. Locally grown and seasonal ingredients help create innovative dishes served to guests in a pub-like restaurant. Relax and enjoy lunch or dinner in the lounge, main dining room or screened veranda, while enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Oconee. An outdoor putting course and corn hole games keep the action going long after the meal.
This lakefront community, with abundant golf and sporting grounds are well worth the trip.