Opened in 1992, Great Waters stands as one of Jack Nicklaus' signature designs and a transformative moment in his architectural career. The course showcases the Golden Bear's philosophy of creating resort golf that feels fair and accessible while maintaining genuine championship challenge. The front nine winds through rolling hills and towering Georgia pines, featuring water on six holes but nothing penal—carefully designed with generous bailout options for every water hazard. This opening stretch is beautiful parkland golf at its finest, but it's merely the prelude. The back nine represents something extraordinary: eight of nine holes dance directly along the shores of Lake Oconee, creating a succession of postcard-worthy moments that rival the famous cliffside drama of Pebble Beach. The 14th hole, a 186-yard par-3 across an inlet to a peninsula green, has become one of the most photographed holes in the Southeast and rightfully demands both nerves of steel and precise execution. A comprehensive 2019 renovation by Nicklaus Design restored the course to its original specifications while modernizing infrastructure, and the result is championship conditioning and strategic hole design that challenges without punishing.
Jack Nicklaus design featuring parkland front nine and dramatic lake-lined back nine with water in play on nine holes.
Bob Cupp design with consultants Fuzzy Zoeller and Hubert Green, the original Reynolds course built in 1988.
Scottish-style Bob Cupp design emphasizing rolling hills, natural woodlands, and lake views.
Tom Fazio's dramatic 27-hole layout (Ridge/Bluff/Cove) combining into various 18-hole combinations with impressive elevation changes.
Rees Jones design opened in 2002, featuring scenic routing along Lake Oconee shoreline with risk-reward strategy.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is a 251-room luxury lakeside resort set on 30-35 acres featuring multiple accommodation options including standard rooms, suites, cottages, and lake houses. All accommodations offer lake or garden views with private balconies. Resort amenities include a five-star spa, multiple fine dining restaurants, beach area with water sports, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and full-service marinas. Club-level rooms provide exclusive lounge access with complimentary breakfast and evening refreshments. Package rates starting around $340-$350 per person at peak season include accommodations and breakfast.