Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters

About Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters

This Jack Nicklaus design sits on the shores of Georgia's second-largest lake and showcases the Golden Bear's ability to work dramatic elevation changes into a cohesive routing. Nicklaus carved fairways through rolling terrain dotted with mature hardwoods, creating natural amphitheaters around several greens where spectators gathered during the course's PGA Tour days in the 1990s. The back nine features more water than the front, with the lake coming into play on multiple holes, but it's the undulating greens and strategic bunkering that define the challenge rather than forced carries over hazards. What sets Great Waters apart from other Nicklaus courses is how seamlessly it integrates with the native Georgia landscape. You won't find the manufactured drama of some of his resort designs. The conditioning has remained consistently strong since Reynolds took over the property, and walking is encouraged, which lets you fully appreciate the thoughtful green-to-tee transitions. At this level of design pedigree and maintenance, the value proposition is solid for a Nicklaus course with legitimate tournament history.

Key Facts