Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters
Eatonton, GA • Private
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.suffix/1644376859342.jpeg)
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.suffix/1644376863336.jpeg)

Evan Schiller
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.644.suffix/1644376867622.jpeg)

Overview
Early in his design career, Jack Nicklaus said he would design resort courses differently than championship ones. Great Waters is a vivid example of that intent. With a routing that features 10 holes on Lake Oconee, Jack and his associate Jim Lipe worked hard to vary the encounters with water. On one hole it's a carry off a tee, on another, it's beside a green, while on a couple, it's a cove in front of a green. Every encounter features a generous bailout option. Another concession to resort golfers: The greens are big but simple, with few complex contours.
About
Awards


Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked from 2003-'08 and 2015-'24.
Highest ranking: 61st, 2005-'06.
Previous ranking: 77th.
2023-'24 ranking: 77th.
Best in State: Ranked 15th, 2015-'18. Ranked 16th, 2019-'22. Ranked 18th, 2023-'24.
2023-'24 ranking: 18th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Fun Jack Nicklaus design on Lake Oconee. Course features 10 holes where the lake comes into play. Played it right after the Masters and it was in great shape. Definitely enjoy this one if in the area."
Read More2024
Review
“Great golfing experience on this beautiful piece of property. The course name tells a lot - beautiful scenic holes help contribute to the aesthetics and character of this course. Very challenging from the tips and a true test of golf. A Jack Nicklaus design built in 1992, there was a recent renovation back in 2019 to help increase airflow and better irrigation to improve turf. Shot options abound with so many holes having water come in to play which makes the golfer have to constantly think around the course. A great golf round for anyone that can play this unique and demanding course."
Read More2023
Review
“This is a fun golf course with some hard and easy holes. You are surrounded by water through out many holes which makes the esthetics fun and the challenge more so. Really fun and fair."
Read More2023
Review
“Good variety of par 3 distances. Not a lot of bending holes but solid variety of shot options and needing to strategically work through the course. Great views and integration with the lake."
Read More2023
Review
“Resort course, pretty pice of property, decent condition."
Read More2022
Review
“Open and fun, with a number of holes that run along the lake."
Read More2021
Review
“A challenging course through the pines on Lake Oconee. A few unique holes with even Nicklaus's take on the "Biarritz" green."
Read More2018