The Golf Club at Cuscowilla
The Golf Club at Cuscowilla
640 Old Phoenix Rd
Eatonton, GA 31024
United States
Overview
Cuscowilla was one among the first group of jobs Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw took on after the opening of Sand Hills, the No. 8 course on America's 100 Greatest Courses ranking, and a design that vaulted the duo to the top of the profession. The sites couldn't be more different. Cuscowilla is located on the shore of Lake Oconee, a large manmade reservoir that's home to the five courses of Reynolds Lake Oconee. To give an example of how Coore and Crenshaw think differently from other architects, they recommended the developer of Cuscowilla use the majority of the shoreline for homesites. Most architects would fight for water holes, but they preferred the more rolling uplands for golf rather than the flatter land on the water. Nevertheless, two holes do play along the lake, the Cape-like 10th with a downhill drive across an inlet, and the miniature par-3 11th to an elevated green, but the other parts of the design are stronger. The first six holes comprise one of the most rhythmic and engaging opening runs of any course in their remarkable portfolio and include the uphill drivable, split-fairway par-4 fifth that is now something close to a template hole. Late in the round, the loop of 15, 16 and 17 is almost as strong. Cuscowilla was also shaper extraordinaire Jeff Bradley's coming-out party, and early showcase of his distinctive style of grassy, gnawed-edge bunkers, replete with Georgia's red clay sand.
About
Awards
ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked for 16 years from 2003-'18.
Highest ranking: 39th, 2009-'10.
Best in State: Ranked 10th, 2013-'14. Ranked tied for 10th, 2011-'12. Ranked 11th, 2017-'20. Ranked 12th, 2015-'16. Ranked 14th, 2021-'22, 2025-'26. Ranked 16th, 2023-'24.
Previous ranking: 16th.
2025-'26 ranking: 14th.
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
“A nice golf course, but not one of Coore and Crenshaw's better designs. Unlike other Coore and Crenshaw courses, it appears as though they were not given discretion over the land for the golf course, as the front 9 plays over fairly non-descript land. Well worth playing and still in the top 10 in Georgia, but don't expect the greatness of other Coore and Crenshaw designs."
Read More2025
Review
“This under the radar course is well worth the effort. A fun, unique layout where the greens are the primary defense."
Read More2025
Review
“I was excited to play Cuscowilla as it was designed by my favorite architects, Coore and Crenshaw. There is no doubt that it is a fine golf course and certainly one of the top 10 golf courses in Georgia. However, I couldn't help leave the club wondering if Coore and Crenshaw were given access to build over the best land. While the 10th and 11th holes play down and along the lake, the rest of the course plays inland. Although the back 9 still plays over interesting land, the front 9 is plays over non-descript land. While Coore and Crenshaw did their best to make quality holes over this land, it holds the club back from being truly special."
Read More2024
Review
“Definitely worth the time to play, if the opportunity is presented. The course sits in a piece of land that is away from the hustle and bustle. Very quiet and you are more likely to see more deer than people during your round. Great variety and challenge."
Read More2024
Review
“Well designed and well layed-out course in the gentle rolling hills abutting Lake Oconee. Fairways are firm and fast and allow for an ample ground game; the greens roll true with a moderate speed, with more than a few having false fronts/sides which require thoughtfulness on one's approach, or your ball may hit the green, only to roll back/off 10-15 yards. There is good variation of holes--two excellent risk/reaward driving holes ((4 and 10), and two drivable par 4s (#5 and #12 which can be played from 7 iron to driver off of the tee). The par 3s are situated in all 4 directions and range from 110 to 220 yds. Number 3 and Number 11 are "signature holes." The course is interesting, adequately challenging, but mostly fun and playable. Hard not to like this course!"
Read More2024
Review
“A good walking course with several good holes. Lots of red clay visuals on the course."
Read More2023
Review
“Coore & Crenshaw design setting on Lake Oconee. Some beautiful lake holes. Great pro shop."
Read More2023
Review
“Great variety between wide fairway and narrow doglegs around pine trees. Also, between short and long holes. The bunkering is bold and fun. The greens are on the more severe side with slopes. Ton of fun chipping areas that run off the sides of the greens."
Read More2018
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