Reynolds Lake Oconee Golf Courses: The National

Of the six championship courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee, The National might be the most unique. Not only does it dazzle the eye with a gorgeous layout, but it's also the only course in the area with 27 holes. Among them are three sets of nine holes with different names, but similar designs. Every fairway is situated between tightly packed pine trees and weaves its way around corners and across rolling hills, creating a course that's almost as challenging as it is scenic. You might say the course is so much fun to play that 18 holes just isn't enough, so they built another nine.

The National History and Accolades

The National was creatively designed by one the top golf course designers in America, Tom Fazio, in the late 1990s, although the final nine holes didn't open until 2000. The course was also renovated in 2014 to bring out even more of its stunning beauty. The three separate nine-hole layouts, known as the Ridge, Bluff, and Cove all include towering trees such as pines and flowering dogwoods, not to mention hilly fairways and strategically placed bunkers.

The scenery, charm, and smart design of the course hasn't gone unnoticed either. Much like the other Reynolds Lake Oconee golf courses, the golf world has recognized The National with the following accolades:

• Best Courses You Can Play in Georgia - GOLF Magazine
• Top 20 Best in State - Golf Digest
• Best Courses You Can Play - Golfweek

The National Course Layout and Design

It's hard to decide whether the trademark of The National is the 100-plus bunkers situated besides the fairways and greens or the striking elevation changes on almost every hole. Additional challenges also come in the form of significant doglegs and water-protected greens on select holes. Fazio didn't forget about Lake Oconee either. This breathtaking body of water doesn't come into play quite as much as some of the other Reynolds Lake Oconee golf courses—Great Waters, in particular, comes to mind—but it is used nicely on a few holes, both beside fairways and in front of greens.

The challenges on this course come from the need to be fairly strategic when contemplating what shots to hit. With most fairways slopping in any direction, it's important to pay close attention to the terrain and try to avoid becoming too awe struck with the scenery. The bunkers create their own set of challenges, with unique curves and dips that aren't seen on many other courses in the area.

Among the more memorable holes is No. 6 on the nine-hole Ridge section. This Par 5 features a green with water on three sides, not to mention a winding fairway with a cluster of bunkers in the middle of it. Hole No. 6 on the Bluff section is also a memorable Par 5, highlighted by a dogleg left around a pond with a fountain in it for your tee shot. Hole No. 3 on the Cove nine is a Par 3 that provides an extremely pleasant view of Lake Oconee through a few trees behind the green. Don't hit your tee shot long, though, or you might not enjoy the lake quite as much.

The National Tavern

You'll probably have worked up quite the appetite after your round at The National, especially if you play all 27 holes, so it only makes sense to relax and enjoy a delectable meal at the clubhouse-style restaurant beside the course. The National Tavern is located on the final hole of the Bluff section and features wonderful twists on traditional dishes such as pizza, mac & cheese, pot roast, and sandwiches, all in a pub atmosphere. Whether you're eating lunch or dinner, you'll enjoy mouth-watering food and spectacular views of the course!

The National Real Estate

There are several options for those wanting to live near The National golf course. Beautiful single-family homes built in several different traditional architectural styles are situated nearby, featuring well-manicured lawns outside and spacious floor plans inside. Of course, the same can be said for most Reynolds Lake Oconee homes for sale, particularly the homes near golf courses. You can browse listings of all golf homes in the area and read additional info on what makes these homes so amazing on our Reynolds Lake Oconee golf homes page.

For more info on the entire Reynolds Lake Oconee real estate market, contact local resale specialist Brian Reynolds today!