Acclaimed golf course architect, Tom Fazio, has returned to Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, and completed plans for nine new holes that will join his existing nine on the National course to create an entirely new 18-hole layout.
The original Fazio-designed 18-hole National course opened in 1997. In 2000, its two nines, The Ridge and The Bluff, were joined by an additional nine holes, called The Cove, allowing for various combinations of play. The existing 27 holes make use of the natural rolling terrain highlighted by hardwood forests, streams, ponds, and views of Lake Oconee. The combined nines also provide plenty of challenge, with any of the pairings, boasting more bunkers than any of the five other courses at Reynolds.
The future 18-hole course will utilize adjacent land distinguished by a creek, large natural boulders, and an existing pond. The land slopes gradually down toward a cove of Lake Oconee with more than 100 feet of elevation change. This will be the only course at Reynolds Lake Oconee to traverse both sides of the peninsula and touch the lake from both Richland Creek and the Oconee River.
“My goal is always to create distinctive, one-of-a kind golf courses,” says Fazio. “There is 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.”
The first five holes will use the existing Bluff routing, followed by nine all-new holes, including a ninth green that will sit along Lake Oconee. The final four holes will connect back to the Bluff.
Tom added, “Members will enjoy this golf course because it will have character and never play the same. This new course will provide a challenge and have endless possibilities of capturing your emotions and feelings.” More
