By Fred Altvater
There is so much to do at Reynolds Lake Oconee it is difficult to know where to start. With 12,000 acres of lake front property, six outstanding championship golf courses, 11 various dining options, outdoor activities galore, plus a Ritz Carlton on property, one can see that Reynolds Lake Oconee truly has it all.
The Great Waters course recently underwent an extensive renovation by the original designer, Jack Nicklaus. It hosts several tournaments every year. The Linger Longer Invitational collegiate tournament has hosted some of the top amateur golfers before they became household names on the PGA Tour.
Watch this Back 9 Report TV video that talks about the Great Waters Course and golf at Reynolds Lake Oconee. https://youtu.be/bjV8fXVNe1M
In addition to Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio and Jim Eng have all designed courses for Reynolds Lake Oconee.
On our last visit to Reynolds Lake Oconee, we happened to play with two gentlemen that had moved from Kiawah Island to Reynolds a few years ago. They told me that Kiawah has become too popular and crowded. Tee times are hard to come by, traffic is horrendous and the roads are constantly filled with tourists, as well as, locals. They both said, the atmosphere at Reynolds Lake Oconee is much more relaxed and the local population outgoing. They can always find friends to share a bite, or play a round of golf.
Several membership options are available that allow members to play all the courses in the complex. Stay & Play packages are also available for travelers wanting to play the courses inside Reynolds Lake Oconee at: https://www.reynoldslakeoconee.com/visit/offers
Every one of the 11 restaurants and dining options at Reynolds is a delight. Executive Chef, Zouhair Bellout, uses locally grown ingredients and consistently changes menus to assure diners always have something to look forward to.
We recommend lunch at Gaby’s by the Lake it offers great views of the lake and beach. Gaby’s provides a relaxing atmosphere that adheres to a, “No Shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure,” motto. The menu features items such as Low Country Fish Tacos and Handcrafted Burger accompanied by old favorites including Salads, Sandwiches, Stone Baked Pizzas and the infamous Lobster Grilled Cheese.
We also like the National Tavern located just off the ninth hole of the Bluff nine at The National Golf Course. The bar area is warm and inviting. From soup and salad, appetizers, sandwiches, or some of the best pizza in the area the National Tavern will make your dining experience a culinary delight.
We aren’t the only one who think the National Tavern is a winner. It was honored several times as an outstanding dining venue in Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards.
With the lake fishing, boating and swimming always in season at Reynolds Lake Oconee. From March to late November the weather is normally warm and suitable for outdoor activities at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
The Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds is spread out over 100 acres of the rolling Georgia countryside and entices all hunters and shooters to check it out. There they will find a multifaceted selection of shooting challenges with professionals on staff to help even novice outdoorsmen and women.
We have only mentioned a few of the enjoyable features of Reynolds Lake Oconee. If you decide to visit and want to stay longer, their real estate division will help you find the right property for you to “Linger Longer” at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
