Nestled amidst the beautiful Georgia oak trees, flowering dogwoods, and the sparkling expanse of Lake Oconee, the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, stands as a premier golf destination. This luxurious resort offers access to not just one, but five championship golf courses, each meticulously designed by renowned architects like Rees Jones, Tom Fazio, Bob Cupp, and Jack Nicklaus. With 90 holes of play, these golf courses in Lake Oconee offer an unparalleled experience for every golfer.
Each course presents a unique challenge and unique aesthetic, taking full advantage of the natural terrain and stunning lake views. Whether you are seeking a leisurely round or a test of your skills against a championship layout, the variety here ensures a memorable experience for all levels of play. Let's delve into what makes each course special.
The Landing
The Landing is the original course at Lake Oconee, effectively setting the standard for the golf destination that followed. Designed by Bob Cupp, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches 6,991 yards and offers holes that meander through naturally wooded areas and rolling hills.
It provides an enjoyable playing experience for golfers of all levels. A significant renovation in 2013, also directed by Bob Cupp, modernized the course while preserving its original Scottish Highlands character. This included repositioning bunkers for strategic challenge and enhancing drainage, ensuring pristine playing conditions. Three of its holes famously wrap dramatically along the shoreline of Lake Oconee, offering picturesque views and adding to the course's appeal.
The Preserve
The Preserve also incorporates the design principles of Bob Cupp, focusing on subtle deception and making the game enjoyable for players of all skill levels. This 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 6,674 yards and takes advantage of the natural rolling topography of the land.
A standout feature of The Preserve is its unique "Quick Six," a course within a course. This six-hole layout utilizes existing greens but offers various tee box options, providing a quicker, more flexible golfing option for those short on time. The Preserve's design allows for a balance of challenge from the back tees and playability for beginners from the forward tees, ensuring a fun round for everyone.
Great Waters
Great Waters is a true Jack Nicklaus Signature design, widely recognized as a timeless masterpiece that showcases some of the most breathtaking golf scenery in the Southeast. This 18-hole, par-72 course spans 7,436 yards and is known for its dramatic routing along the shores of Lake Oconee.
The course underwent an 18-month redesign, further enhancing its appeal and ensuring it remains a premier destination among the golf courses in Lake Oconee. The back nine is particularly famous, with the final eight holes playing directly along the lake, culminating in spectacular views and challenging water hazards. The par-3 14th hole, with its stunning lake backdrop, is one of the most photographed holes in the region.
The National
The National, designed by Tom Fazio, is characterized by dramatic elevation changes. Players encounter significant uphill and downhill shots from tee to fairway, with some changes as much as 60 feet. This challenging layout requires careful club selection and precise shot-making, ensuring players utilize every club in their bag.
The National originally featured 27 holes, divided into three distinct nine-hole layouts: the Ridge, the Bluff, and the Cove, each offering unique challenges and scenery. In 2024, the course was reconfigured to 18 holes, combining the Ridge and Cove nines, maintaining its reputation as an actual work of art in course design. It continues to be renowned for its impressive elevations, dense forests, and beautiful lake views on some holes.
The Oconee
The Oconee, designed by Rees Jones, is defined by its scenic routing along the Lake Oconee shoreline and is truly a risk/reward layout. This 18-hole, par-72 course stretches 7,158 yards and offers inspiring lake views while presenting strategic options to play shots over inlets or carry corners of tree-lined doglegs.
The course features waterfalls, ponds, and fountains, adding to its aesthetic appeal and strategic complexity. The Oconee's design emphasizes player choice, allowing golfers to decide how aggressively they want to play certain holes. It provides a stimulating and challenging experience, with a meandering layout amongst the forest and several holes playing close to the water.
The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee
Beyond the five championship courses, the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, offers The Kingdom, a premier custom club-fitting and instruction facility. This state-of-the-art center is a significant draw for serious golfers looking to refine their game.
The Kingdom provides comprehensive one-on-one sessions with TaylorMade Master Club Fitters, utilizing advanced technology like Gears and Trackman to analyze every aspect of a golfer's swing. Custom-fit clubs can be built on-site in the TaylorMade Tour Trailer, ensuring equipment perfectly matches a player's swing dynamics. Private instruction from experienced golf professionals is also available, offering personalized drills and comprehensive lesson reviews.
Beyond the Fairways
A golf getaway to the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, extends beyond the fairways. The resort offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a range of amenities that complement the world-class golf. After a day on the course, guests can relax at the spa, enjoy waterfront activities, or savor a gourmet meal.
The synergy between the upscale resort experience and the diverse, high-quality golf courses makes this destination truly special. It is a place where every detail is considered, ensuring that your golf vacation is as refined and enjoyable as the game itself.
Ready to Explore Lake Oconee Living?
Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group is your trusted partner for discovering the finest homes near the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds and across the Lake Oconee area. With deep local knowledge, years of combined experience, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations, the team is ready to guide you through every aspect of your real estate journey. Whether you’re searching for a luxury lakefront home, a golf course property, or a serene retreat, their strong community connections and personalized service ensure a seamless and successful experience.
Contact the team today and find the perfect home to complement your lifestyle near Lake Oconee's renowned golf courses.
