On Tuesday, October 21st, Georgia State Representative Mickey Channell held his annual golf tournament at the Great Waters golf courseGreat Waters golf course at Reynolds Lake Oconee. The event had a unique twist from previous years in that the 15-inch cups were utilized on all 18 holes. In addition to the pie shaped holes, a few other surprises made for an exciting day of play as well. On top of having incredible weather for the fundraising event, the day included a couple special guests; one coming from above and one at ground level.
Flying up amidst the beautiful blue skies was the iconic MetLife blimp, which made a surprise appearance while making its way through the area for a separate assignment. Golfers paused between strokes to capture the blimp by cell phone as it drifted past several holes on the back nine.
Another guest visitor (this one coming by foot, but still towering high) was Julius Erving, commonly known as “Dr. J.” The NBA Hall of Famer played in a foursome with a family member and friends and mixed and mingled with many club members of the community.
Although Dr. J is considered a visitor, the basketball legend turned business man has been a fan of Reynolds Lake Oconee for over five years now; staying at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee on multiple occasions, dining at several Reynolds Lake Oconee restaurants and playing a few Reynolds courses as well.
“After moving to Atlanta, we discovered Reynolds Lake Oconee around 2008,” says Erving. “I’ve been familiar with the area for a while. It’s a great locale and a great destination.”
For Erving, who is an avid golfer, the option to escape the city and come enjoy the peaceful nature that exists 80 miles east of Atlanta is fantastic. “I love the outdoors. People are friendly. It’s settled and it’s mature so it’s not fast paced.”
And when he isn’t on the golf course, Erving is back in Atlanta hard at work and maintaining his brand. As the managing partner for Dr. J Enterprises, Erving works with his team on multiple business collaborations that include medical, recreation, sports and education. “It works out pretty well,” he says. “It’s something I have done for the better part of 40 years now. We’re Atlanta-based and we love finding ways to help companies grow and get better.”
As for Georgia State Representative Channell, he couldn’t be happier to have Dr. J as his special guest for this year’s fundraising event. “Our goal is to always make this event a fun one and this was definitely a tournament for us to remember,” says Channel. “We could not have asked for better weather and we were blessed with some very special guests.”
