Georgia’s Reynolds Lake Oconee opens seventh course

Richland—the seventh golf course at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Goergia—has officially opened for play. The new 18-hole layout was created by course architect Tom Fazio by combining nine holes from his existing National course with nine all-new holes.

This gives Reynolds Lake Oconee two Fazio designs (Richland and The National) along with courses from Jack Nicklaus (Great Waters), Rees Jones (The Oconee), Jim Engh (Creek Club), and two by Bob Cupp (The Preserve and The Landing).

The new Richland turns the Bluff nine from the original, Fazio-designed National—with some recent modifications—into holes one through five and 15 through 18. The new holes, 6 through 14, traverse the peninsula of Reynolds and tumbles down to the Richland side of Lake Oconee. The resulting layout provides plenty of challenge with fescue-lined fairways, numerous bunkers and dramatic elevation changes.

“My goal is always to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind golf courses,” says Fazio. “There’s a lot of terrain variation—lots of ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns—which is great for golf. That’s what makes this such a fine natural setting.

 “Members will enjoy this golf course because it has character and will never play the same. This new course will provide a challenge and have endless possibilities for a fun and captivating golf experience.”

Among the changes to the nine Bluff holes include removing, repositioning, combining and adding bunkers. Some greens have been reshaped and/or moved, bringing the lake more into play. New fescue native areas and low-mow chipping areas were also added.

The new nine utilizes significant elevation change to put an emphasis on club selection and angle of attack. Players will encounter doglegs, a deep valley and big ravine, plus sloping greens and strategically placed bunkering. They’ll also have the chance to refresh themselves at a new halfway house – The Turn -- between holes 9 and 10. The Turn is a mobile food truck that will serve burgers, sandwiches, wraps and a full array of beverages.

“Richland adds a seventh distinct playing experience for Reynolds Lake Oconee members, highlighting the talents of Tom Fazio’s design and the topography of the site,” said John Gunderson, president, of Daniel Communities, the managing partner for Reynolds Lake Oconee.  “It’s tough to imagine a finer collection of golf courses in any community in the country.”