Reynolds Lake Oconee Golf Courses: Great Waters

Among the most prominent of the many fabulous features of Reynolds Lake Oconee are the six state-of-the-art golf courses. Whether you're a casual hacker or a veteran scratch golfer looking for a challenge, Reynolds Plantation golf is an experience you'll never forget. The scenery is incredible and the variety in each hole within each course is second to none. Among these fabulous championship golf courses is Great Waters.

Great Waters Accolades and Awards

Appropriately named due to the number of holes with spectacular views of Lake Oconee, this Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece was built in 1992 and was recognized as one of the Ten Best New Courses by GOLF Magazine not long after. The accolades didn't end there, though. Great Waters has received many additional distinctions over the years:

• Named one of America's Best Residential Courses by GolfWeek Magazine
• Awarded Golf Course of the Year by the Georgia Golf Course Owners Association
• Ranked No. 41 on GOLF Magazine's 2016-2017 edition of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play
• Hosted the PGA Professional National Championship tournament in 2008
• Hosted the Andersen Consulting World Championship tournament (now known as the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship) from 1995 to 1997

Great Waters Course Design

The course has something for every type of golfer. Experts of the sport will tell you this is one of the most challenging, but levelheaded courses Nicklaus has ever designed. Yes, it's equipped with fast greens, large bunkers, and numerous water hazards, but it's fair. There are no ridiculous slopes on the greens or hills that will have you shaking your head. It's a straightforward course that offers variety on almost every hole, without going overboard.

Casual golfers will enjoy the genuine nature of the course as well. You won't hear anyone feeling misled by any of the greens or blaming the course for a bad shot at the end of their round at Great Waters. This makes your round that much more enjoyable, regardless of how you play, and it means you can focus on the stunning views and towering trees instead of the difficulties of the course. The five sets of tees also make the course a suitable length for all skill levels.

But while the straightforward nature of the course allows for honest scores, most of us aren't there to focus on the scorecard. What makes Great Waters stand out from most other courses around the world, and even the other Reynolds Plantation golf courses, is its beauty!

Front Nine

The front nine makes you feel as though you're deep in the Reynolds Plantation forest, with rolling hills, lush grass, and beautifully-manicured fairways winding their way through tall, majestic trees. There are also a few small water hazards along the way that compliment the forest. It's truly a parkland-style course through the first nine holes and as you admire your wooded surroundings you'll almost forget how close you are to a 19,000-acre lake. However, that all changes on the back nine.

Back Nine

After the 10th hole, the course completely opens up to make way for astounding panoramic views of Lake Oconee, which is either in play or visible for all of the final eight holes. In fact, the back nine is so scenic that it has prompted comparisons to the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

Multiple elevation changes only enhance the breathtaking scenery, leaving many golfers speechless as they look over the lake and majestic Georgia hills. In particular, the Par-3 14th hole is among the most photographed holes in southeastern United States.

Jack Nicklaus did a wonderful job using Lake Oconee to complement the golf course, as opposed to using it simply to provide water hazards. That said, the lake does provide a few challenges in addition to the lovely views, most notably on the Par-3 17th hole and the lengthy 540-yard Par-3 18th.

Course Improvements

Great Waters is also well-maintained by groundskeepers, who work hard to keep the fairways, greens, and roughs in pristine condition. Major work was done on the course in 2009, when the greens and bunkers were restored to their original size and shape. The greens were also changed to Miniverde Bermuda grass, resulting in a putting surface that remains more consistent throughout the year.

Thanks to the gorgeous landscape, the amazing lake views, and the smart course layout, Great Waters is one of the top golf courses in the entire country. If you're a visitor or a resident of Reynolds Lake Oconee and you feel the urge to hit the links, it's a course you need to experience!

Great Waters Clubhouse

Whether it's before your round, after your round, or instead of a round, the Great Waters Clubhouse provides a perfect atmosphere to enjoy a mouth-watering meal and a tasty beverage. The menu includes everything from sandwiches to steaks to seafood dishes to salads. Adding to the delicious food is the extensive wine list and alternative drink options. While you're enjoying your food and drinks, take in the captivating panoramic views of Lake Oconee and the 18th hole of the golf course.

The Great Waters Clubhouse is also a wonderful view for weddings and special events. A massive lawn that overlooks the lake is located behind the clubhouse building for outdoor parties. If you'd rather have a roof over your head, the elegantly decorated interior, bay windows and wrap-around porch are ideal for indoor or covered events.

Great Water Homes For Sale

If you're impressed with Great Waters and the entire Reynolds Lake Oconee area, you might want to explore the Great Waters real estate market and consider buying a home here! Reynolds Lake Oconee real estate includes dozens of impressive golf homes with stunning views. Many of these are custom homes with modern design elements and easy access to Lake Oconee, so you'll have the best of both worlds when it comes to a close proximity to a round of golf or a dip in the lake.

Browse our Reynolds Lake Oconee golf homes for sale or contact Brian Quinn and his team of real estate agents for more information!