The Oconee Course

The Oconee Course is aptly named after the lake that serves as the centerpiece of Reynolds Plantation, since much of the layout plays around the beautiful body of water. Opened in 2002 and designed by the renowned Rees Jones, the Oconee is a true risk/reward layout, often presenting the option of hitting shots over inlets of Lake Oconee or carrying corners of tree-lined doglegs.

The defining feature of the Oconee is its set of magnificent par 3s, featuring elevated tee shots and numerous water hazards that are both eye-catching and penal. Lake Oconee comes into play on five holes, while four others offer inspiring lake views. Even more interior creeks and ponds, as well as extensive bunkering, ensure a tough-but-fair challenge for every level of player. Lush, rolling fairways give way to large, challenging greens, a shining example of Jones' philosophy of strategic golf design.

Water comes into play on nine holes, including each of the final three, which bring rounds at the Oconee course to a dramatic close. The 16th is a tough par 4 with a creek running the length of the hole, where par is a great score. The 17th is a risk-reward par 5 where birdie is within reach -- but so is double-bogey, thanks to the presence of Lake Oconee around the green. The finishing hole is a long par 4 where the lake must be contended with on the tee shot and the approach.

"The course really sets up to a grand finale," says Head Professional Tom Fowler. "I would say 16 through 18 are simply awesome golf holes. In competition, a lot of strokes can change hands on just those holes alone."

In addition to the splendor of Lake Oconee, other dramatic water features and various types of plant and wildlife add to its beauty. Holes are lined with countless pines and dogwoods as well as oak, magnolia and cherry trees. Ornamentals include the yellow-blooming St. John's Wort plant, as well as the mule grass that turns purple in the fall. Visible wildlife can include eagles, turkey foxes and deer as well as various species of ducks in the ponds.

"We have uncovered a dramatic golf course without changing a lot of what we found when we got here," Jones said. "The classic golf course that we designed fits the land perfectly. The topography is such that the green sites are natural and the finishing holes on both nines are spectacular. Streams and various other features such as man-made lakes incorporate the challenge into the design. It's a great golf course."

Greens are made of Crenshaw bent grass, while the fairways and tees are Bermuda (with some zoyshia on the tee pads).

Accolades for the Oconee course include the No. 5 ranking in Golf for Women's "50 Best Courses for Women" and listing among the "10 Best New Upscale Courses" in Golf Digest.

Five sets of tees ranging from 5,198 to 7,029 yards offer options for every type of player.

"It's very fair if you play the correct set of tees," Fowler says. "One of the things Rees Jones did well is he made it challenging from a length perspective. You can find it challenging from the back tees or more forgiving from a shorter set of tees. Also, many of the holes have redemption on one side or another, where the ball can feed back into the fairway or onto the green. But no matter how hard you find it, it's just a beautiful place to play."