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see also: Reynolds Lake Oconee - Great Waters, All Course Reviews
The lake lifestyle offers something for everyone, including fishing, falconry, skeet shooting and off-road driving
Set between the buzz of Atlanta and the tradition of Augusta lies Reynolds Lake Oconee, a 12,000-acre community built around one of Georgia’s largest and most scenic lakes. With seven golf courses, a Ritz-Carlton resort, and an endless menu of activities on land and water, it’s no surprise this destination consistently ranks among the finest golf communities in the country.
I recently spent a week here on a media trip, and while golf was my main draw, it quickly became clear that Reynolds offers much more.
THE COMMUNITY
Reynolds Lake Oconee has grown into a thriving community of nearly 3,000 homes, with new neighborhoods still being added. Ninety miles of Lake Oconee shoreline fall within the community itself, giving members and guests direct access to boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports.
It’s a place that blends resort amenities with the feel of a small town. There are marinas, a wellness and tennis center, pools, miles of trails, and even a kids’ swim team and supervised activities. Just beyond the gates, the historic towns of Greensboro, Madison, and Eatonton provide an extra layer of Southern charm with shops, restaurants, and culture.
THE RITZ-CARLTON
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, serves as the ultimate gateway into the community. Nestled among the Georgia pines on 30 acres of shoreline, the resort offers 257 rooms, suites, and cottages that balance elegance with a relaxed lakeside vibe.
Dining is an experience in itself. From the Italian sophistication of Amore del Lago to the elevated Linger Longer Steakhouse and the laid-back energy of Gaby’s by the Lake, there is something for every mood. One evening, we even boarded a boat for a sunset ride to dinner, a perfect reminder that here, the lake is always part of the story.
The resort also houses a 27,000-square-foot spa, fresh from renovation, that is now one of the most coveted wellness destinations in the South. Fire pits, a private beach, and nightly s’mores make it easy to wind down after a day of play.
THE COURSES
Golf is the heartbeat of Reynolds. Seven courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, and Bob Cupp carve through rolling hills and along the lake. Five are open to resort guests, while two are reserved for members.
During my stay, I teed it up at Great Waters, The National, and The Oconee. Great Waters, Nicklaus’ lakeside masterpiece, is unforgettable. The back nine plays almost entirely along Lake Oconee, with peninsula greens and shoreline tee boxes that invite both bold shots and quiet reflection. Watching boats cruise by as you walk those pine-framed fairways gives the round a unique “peaceful, easy feeling.”
The National, with its Ridge and Cove nines, is classic Fazio: dramatic elevation changes, dogwoods in bloom, and holes that weave toward the lake. The Oconee Course, a Rees Jones design, delivers a risk-reward finish where water looms on the final three holes. Everywhere I played, conditions were immaculate, a common thread throughout the collection.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
As much as I loved the golf, the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds showed me another side of Reynolds. Spread across 800 acres, the facility feels like its own adventure park. Guests can test their aim on a 20-station sporting clays course, practice archery, or try air rifles.
I spent my time learning falconry, actually handling hawks and owls under the guidance of a master falconer, and tackling a professionally designed off-road driving course in a Ford Bronco. What started out daunting quickly became a rush of adrenaline, thanks to a calm but encouraging “back seat driver” in my guide. Watching others return from skeet shooting on four-wheelers with smiles that stretched ear to ear made me wish I had more time to try everything.
Dining and nightlife continue across 11 restaurants, ranging from casual clubhouse fare to elegant lakeside dining. Whether it was a simple lakeside cocktail or a meal reached by boat, each experience tied back to the natural setting.
I'LL. BE BACK ...
My time at Reynolds Lake Oconee reminded me that while golf is the headline, the supporting cast of activities, dining, and lakeside living make it something bigger. It is the rare destination where a group of golfers can come for world-class courses, yet families can find just as much joy in falconry, fishing, or simply roasting s’mores by the fire.
I left already imagining what it would be like to return with friends for a tournament-style trip, families in tow, knowing everyone would find their own adventure.
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