Defined by a dramatic routing along the Lake Oconee shoreline, this Rees Jones design is a true risk/reward layout. The Oconee course offers inspiring lake views while presenting options to play shots over inlets of Lake Oconee, or carry corners of tree-lined doglegs.
A set of magnificent par 3s features elevated tee shots and numerous water hazards that are both eye-catching and penal. Interior creeks and ponds, as well as extensive bunkering, ensure a tough-but-fair challenge for every level of player.
Jones - acclaimed for designing some of the world's most celebrated championship golf courses - assisted in a significant renovation project that was unveiled in fall 2013. While Jones’ original design remains intact, shaping the tree canopies has made the fairways appear more inviting and has opened up more of the dramatic views throughout the Oconee course.
All 18 greens have been restored to their original size and resurfaced to Champion Bermuda grass. The changeover provides the durability of Bermuda grass, while maintaining the subtle putting qualities of bent grass.
Through the years, the Oconee course has established a reputation as a visually stimulating, challenging and playable layout. The par-72, which plays to a maximum of 7,029 yards, also has captured the attention of the golf industry, hosting highly-visible tournaments such as the annual Linger Longer Invitational collegiate championship, 2007 PGA Cup and the annual Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge.
