A GOLFER’S SOUTHERN PARADISE AT LAKE OCONEE
[dropcap size=small]N[/dropcap]estled an hour from Atlanta and golf’s Holy Grail, Augusta National, you will find a slice of southern hospitality at Reynolds Plantation. The 19,000-acre golf and lake front community is situated upon the banks of Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second largest lake. Boasting six courses inside the gated community, Reynolds Plantation is a golfer’s paradise. Golf Magazine selected the historical getaway for the 2014-2015 Premier Resort Award.
Course architects Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Bob Cupp, Rees Jones, and Jim Engh have all left their mark on Reynolds Plantation. The 117-hole facility has unique design characteristics from each architect that lays out different challenges. The miles of lakefront, rolling hills and pine trees provided the perfect canvas to craft a picturesque golf course.
The Oconee course, designed by Rees Jones, is the premier layout at Reynolds Plantation. Located adjacent to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, the Oconee course features The Reynolds Academy, and Taylor Made Kingdom fitting facility at the back end of the driving range. The course recently converted the greens to Champions Bermuda, a grass that provides a better putting surface due to its adaptability to the hot humid conditions of the Georgia summer. Jones perfectly combined the elements of a championship and resort golf course making it a stern, but fair challenge for all levels of golfer. The Oconee course requires well placed tee shots to avoid strategically placed bunkers off a number of the tees. Many approach shots must be played sensibly to navigate the water hazards Jones used to give his design an advantage.
The TaylorMade Kingdom and Reynolds Academy provide a unique opportunity at the Oconee Course. Whether you are looking to improve your game with technique or technology, these two world-class facilities create a one-stop shop for both. Top instructor Charlie King who was ranked among the top teachers in the United States by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine heads up the 16-acre Reynolds Academy. His tutelage focuses heavy on short game and the facility has one of the best short game practice areas in the country. Visitors will often see a number of TaylorMade touring professionals sharpening and honing their skills at the Reynolds Academy throughout the year. The club fitting system at the TaylorMade Kingdom provides guests with a unique fitting opportunity previously reserved only for PGA Tour players.
The centerpiece of Reynolds Plantation is the Ritz Carlton Lodge. The 2014 AAA Five Diamond Lodging provides guests every imaginable luxury. The attention to detail is simply stunning and the southern hospitality only adds to the experience. From the moment guests arrive they are immersed in comfort from idyllic rooms and spa treatments to the amazing food options. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend away, a golf trip, or a entertaining business retreat Reynolds Plantation is truly the most complete and appropriate destination in the south.
PHOTOS: REYNOLDS PLANTATION | FIND OUT MORE AT REYNOLDSPLANTATION.COM
BY DEREK OAKEY | https://19thholemag.com
