Elevating its position among the elite golf resorts of North America, Reynolds Lake Oconee is one of only ten properties selected for the prestigious Platinum Medal by GOLF Magazine. The 2014-15 Premier Resort award winners are unveiled in the March edition.
“It is extremely rewarding to see Reynolds Lake Oconee honored at the ultimate level on this list,” said Mark Lammi, Vice President of Golf Operations at Reynolds Lake Oconee. “We truly appreciate being cited among the best of the best. We are fortunate to have one of the greatest collections of golf courses in the country and we are determined to remain as one of its premier destinations, both as a resort and a residential community.”
The biennial ranking of the “top 100” golf resorts is based on four criteria: golf, lodging, food and drink and service. “But challenging layouts and tee-box panoramas come first in our book,” said Joe Passov, who coordinates golf course awards and rankings for the magazine.
Reynolds Lake Oconee, located between Atlanta and Augusta, Ga., is situated along more than 374 miles of Lake Oconee shoreline and features six championship golf courses (one is private and open to members only) and The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a 251-room lakefront resort and spa, which was named a 2014 AAA Five Diamond Lodging and a 2014 Forbes Four-Star resort.
Nestled in the woods, the resort is surrounded by water on three sides, offering commanding lake views. Draped in beds of ivy and edged by towering pines, blooming crepe myrtles and colorful caladiums, the five-story main building fronts the glistening lake, while six separate lakeside cottages and a presidential house with four master suites overlook the Oconee Golf Course. Lodge guests have access to a wide array of family-friendly activities and amenities, including a state-of-the-art spa, tennis, two swimming pools, two full-service marinas, hiking trails and of course, golf.
For those seeking to live the resort lifestyle every day, the community’s real estate company (Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC) offers a variety of homes and home sites featuring lake, golf and woodland views. Residents may enjoy many of the amenities offered at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, in addition to six additional swimming pools, waterfront fitness facilities, club dining options, an extensive calendar of activities and much more.
GOLF Magazine acknowledged the resort community’s picturesque location, gracious Southern stylings, updated accommodations and recent series of golf course renovations to The Landing (Bob Cupp), Oconee (Rees Jones) and National (Tom Fazio). Great Waters (Jack Nicklaus), renovated in 2012, Plantation (Cupp) and the Creek Club (private, Jim Engh), round out the collection.
The resort community was purchased in August 2012 by MetLife, which has invested several million dollars in enhancements since acquiring the property.
In recognizing the 100 greatest golf destinations in North America, GOLF Magazine lists only properties that excel in course design and playability, while providing luxurious accommodations. Scores produce winners on the three separate levels – Platinum, Gold and Silver. GOLF Magazine has been ranking resorts around the world for more than 20 years. The Premier Resorts issue is now available in print and online at www.golf.com.
