Press & Media Room

Greensboro, Ga. (March 4, 2010) - Under the direction of the architectural staff from Nicklaus Design, the first substantial renovation project on the award-winning Great Waters course at Reynolds Plantation is complete. The result is a version that is better than ever and again ready for play this spring.   Great Waters, a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course that opened in 1992, is a dramatic layout that offers some of the most breathtaking golf scenery in the southeast. Consistently ranked among the Top 100 courses in the nation since it opened in 1992, Great Waters  earned the distinction from Links Magazine as one of the "10 most significant and influential courses of the past two decades."   To ensure Great Waters remains just as significant during the next two decades, Reynolds Plantation implemented a restoration plan for the greens and bunkering that has restored them to the shapes and sizes of Nicklaus' original specifications.   Greenside bunkers have been slightly tweaked throughout the golf course, to incorporate new drainage and reinforce the faces. The modifications have not impacted the integrity of the design; rather, they enhance shot values.   The major alteration is the complete turf changeover on all 18 greens, from the original Penncross Bentgrass to Miniverde Bermudagrass, a unique variety that was not yet developed when Great Waters was built. The new product is a superior putting surface that will remain more consistent, year round.   "Great Waters' reputation as a world-class golf experience plays a significant role in the Reynolds Plantation golf community," said Mercer Reynolds, Chairman of Reynolds Plantation. "The course is credited for putting Reynolds Plantation on the map. It has a great history, and the renovation assures the golf course maintains its level of excellence in the future."

Reynolds Plantation members will get the first look at the revitalized Great Waters layout starting March 15, with guest play to resume April 1. Nicklaus is schedule to make a personal inspection of the finished product and serve as special guest for a dedication ceremony on April 6.

The second golf course built at Reynolds Plantation, Great Waters is the only Nicklaus course on Lake Oconee. With nine holes lining the lake shores, Great Waters quickly gained a reputation for its scenic beauty, as well.

While the architectural staff from Nicklaus Design was assigned to the job from the outset, much of the Great Waters renovation project was carried out by the Reynolds golf course maintenance crew. Each phase was coordinated to maintain the design and strategic objectives Nicklaus intended in 1992. Original plans and drawings were referenced throughout the project, particularly to locate the original edges of the greens in order to return them to the exact same size they were on the day it opened.   As for the greenside bunkers, most of the changes won't be visible to the golfer's eye, since they involve modernization of drainage and irrigation systems underground. To prevent erosion on the faces of the bunkers, the new ones have grass growing lower down the sides, making the slopes slightly less dramatic, but the obstacle no less hazardous.   "By having Jack Nicklaus' name on Great Waters, we are responsible for part of his legacy," said Bob Mauragas, vice-president of golf operations at Reynolds Plantation. "By completing a project like this, it is satisfying for all of us at Reynolds Plantation to know we are being good caretakers of that legacy."  

About Reynolds Plantation Named the "Best of the Best" Golf Community by Robb Report and the community with the "Best Golf" in America by the editors of GOLF Magazine, Reynolds Plantation, located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, is situated along 374 miles of shoreline on Lake Oconee. Reynolds Plantation features 117 holes of championship golf from designers Bob Cupp, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Jim Engh. Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Reynolds Golf Academy, as well as the exclusive TaylorMade Kingdom.  The community offers members a variety of dining options, swimming pools, pedestrian trails, four full-service marinas and The Lake Club Wellness Campus with its award-winning Tennis Center.  Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 251-room lakefront resort and spa ranked No. 5 in the "Top 100 Golf Resorts" worldwide by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.  For more information or real estate inquiries, call 800-800-5250 or visit http://www.reynoldsplantation.com/.    

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Greensboro, Ga. (February 16, 2010) - Six of the top 25 college golf teams in the nation, led by No. 1-ranked Oklaho ma State University, return to The Landing at Reynolds Plantation for the fifth annual Linger Longer Invitational, March 26-28.

One of the premier spring tournaments of the collegiate season, the Linger Longer Invitational features 16 teams competing for 54 holes in both team and individual stroke-play format on the award-winning Landing layout which will play to 7,051 yards (par 72) and was designed by golf course architect Bob Cupp.

Hosted by Mercer University and Kennesaw State University, the Linger Longer Invitational is a showcase for teams from coast to coast, with the University of Georgia returning to defend a championship it has won three times (2006, 2007, 2009).

"We continue to enjoy the participation of a great field every year, on a golf course that is in great shape and provides an ideal test," said Coach Andrew Tredway of Mercer University, which finished a solid fourth last year.  "The support of the participating coaches, their schools and Reynolds Plantation is outstanding."

Last year the top-ranked Bulldogs captured a showdown of No. 1 vs. No. 2 by finishing two strokes ahead Oklahoma State, with a winning total of 867, only 3 over par.  Individually, OSU's Trent Whitekiller, then a junior, earned his first career victory by only one shot, finishing at 208, 8 under par.

This year, joining Golfweek magazine's top-ranked Cowboys and No. 21-ranked Bulldogs as leading contenders are No. 5 Florida State, No. 6 Texas A&M, No. 12 Alabama and No. 22 Georgia Tech.  The field is rounded out by Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Furman, Louisville, Oklahoma, San Jose State, South Alabama and South Carolina-Aiken.

Since its inception, the Linger Longer Invitational has been played on courses that are part of the Reynolds Plantation collection - The Oconee Course the first two years, and The Landing the past two.

Individually, the tournament will showcase a field full of all-Americans, with nine of the Top 20 players in the 2010 season rankings scheduled to compete, including No. 1 Peter Uihlein, an Oklahoma State sophomore from Orlando, Fla.; No. 2 Bud Cauley, an Alabama sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., No. 3 Russell Henley, a Georgia juni0r from Macon; No. 5 Hunter Hamrick, an Alabama sophomore from Montgomery; and No. 6 Morgan Hoffman, an Oklahoma State sophomore from Wyckoff, N.J.

The first golf course built on popular Lake Oconee in 1986, The Landing features a Scottish-style variety of holes that wind through naturally wooded areas and rolling hills, with three holes that wrap dramatically along the lakeshore.

Spectators are welcome to walk the course with the teams.  Admission to the Invitational is free.

Photo caption: The University of Georgia men's golf team, winners of the 2009 Linger Longer Invitational, receive their trophy from The Landing head professional Scott Justman.

About Reynolds Plantation

Named the "Best of the Best" Golf Community by Robb Report and the community with the "Best Golf" in America by the editors of GOLF Magazine, Reynolds Plantation, located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, is situated along 374 miles of shoreline on Lake Oconee.  Reynolds Plantation features 117 holes of championship golf from designers Bob Cupp, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Jim Engh.  Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Reynolds Golf Academy, as well as the exclusive TaylorMade Kingdom.  The community offers members a variety of dining options, swimming pools, pedestrian trails, four full-service marinas and The Lake Club Wellness Campus with its award-winning Tennis Center.  Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 251-room lakefront resort and spa ranked No. 5 in the "Top 100 Golf Resorts" worldwide by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.  For more information or real estate inquiries, call 800-800-5250 or visit http://www.reynoldsplantation.com/.

 

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Greensboro, Ga. (Jan. 4, 2010) - What would a New Year's resolution list be without ... a golf getaway!  And for those who like blue skies and green fairways at a great value, Reynolds Plantation has ideal options to fulfill the "golf getaway" resolution for 2010.

"The Reynolds Golf Experience" is a showcase for the award-winning courses at Reynolds Plantation, featuring a day of unlimited golf at one of three layouts: the Tom Fazio-designed National Course (27 holes), or either the Plantation or Landing Course, both created by Bob Cupp.  Guests can choose to stay in a private cottage, or condo for the night, with a buffet breakfast included.  "The Reynolds Golf Experience" starts at $275 per person (single occupancy) and is available throughout 2010.

"Golf at The Landing for Two" is a perfect fit as a couples retreat, or buddy trip, with a day of unlimited play for two golfers at The Landing at Reynolds Plantation, the first golf course built on popular Lake Oconee in 1986.  Accommodations are reserved at the award-winning Landing Clubhouse.  The "Golf at The Landing for Two" package starts at $235 (double occupancy) and also is available throughout this year.

For more details and to make reservations, visit the Reynolds Plantation vacation packages site or call (877)809-3324.

About Reynolds Plantation

Named the "Best of the Best" Golf Community by Robb Report and the community with the "Best Golf" in America by the editors of GOLF Magazine, Reynolds Plantation, located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, is situated along 374 miles of shoreline on Lake Oconee.  Reynolds Plantation features 117 holes of championship golf from designers Bob Cupp, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Jim Engh.  Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Reynolds Golf Academy, as well as the exclusive TaylorMade Kingdom.  The community offers members a variety of dining options, swimming pools, pedestrian trails, four full-service marinas and The Lake Club Wellness Campus with its award-winning Tennis Center.  Reynolds Plantation is also home to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a 251-room lakefront resort and spa ranked No. 5 in the "Top 100 Golf Resorts" worldwide by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.  For more information or real estate inquiries, call 800-800-5250 or visit http://www.reynoldsplantation.com/.

 

 

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Greensboro, Ga. (January 4, 2010) - Reynolds Plantation is pleased to announce that two of its golf students will be competing on the PGA TOUR in the coming year.  Garth Mulroy and Blake Adams finished in the top-25 on the 2009 Nationwide Tour money list to earn their PGA TOUR cards for the 2010 season.  Mulroy is taught by Charlie King; Adams is taught by Charles McLendon.

King and McLendon employ a unique set of principles, outlined in King's latest book, "The New Rules of Golf Instruction" while working with the professionals.  Adams and Mulroy were not asked to change their swings; the New Rules allow golfers to keep their style of swing while becoming more skillful in critical areas and reaching their fullest potential.  It's a set of standards that all golfers, including amateurs, can benefit from when choosing an instructor. 

Mulroy, from Durban, South Africa, is a student of King, director of instruction at the Reynolds Golf Academy.  Mulroy has five victories worldwide including a 2009 Nationwide Tour win at the South Georgia Classic.  He finished 14^th on the 2009 Nationwide Tour money list.

"Congratulations to Garth on getting his PGA TOUR card," said King.  "It was great to work with Garth last year and see some solid results.  I expect him to have a breakout year on the PGA TOUR this year."

Adams, a graduate of Georgia Southern University, has been receiving instruction from McLendon, master club fitter and teacher at Reynolds Plantation, for almost two years.  Adams turned professional in 2001 and had a breakthrough year in 2009 with seven top-10 finishes and a third place standing on the Nationwide Tour money list.  His earnings of almost $400,000 set a new Nationwide Tour record for most money earned in a single season without a victory.

"It has been a privilege to work with such a talented player," said McLendon.  "After working with Blake for almost two years now, it has been exciting to watch him realize his potential. Congratulations to Blake, his family and friends who have supported him along the way.  I wish him much success on the PGA TOUR."

The Reynolds Golf Academy provides golf schools and instruction for golfers of all skill levels.  For more information, visit http://www.reynoldsgolfacademy.com/ or call 866.443.6742.

 

Photos:  Top - Garth Mulroy, of South Africa, will compete on the PGA TOUR in 2010.  Bottom - Charles McLendon works with PGA TOUR player Blake Adams at Reynolds Plantation.

 

About the Reynolds Golf Academy

The Reynolds Golf Academy at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, Ga., is a state-of-the-art learning center located just an hour's drive from Atlanta and Augusta.  Led by GOLF MAGAZINE Top 100 Instructor Charlie King, the Reynolds Golf Academy features individual golf lessons, corporate golf outings, the New Rules Golf Schools which include the cutting-edge Essentials of Golf^TM Total Game Improvement Golf School and the "Red Zone" Short Game Golf School, based on King's book, "Golf's Red Zone Challenge."  The 16-acre, 6,550 square foot private campus is adjacent to Rees Jones' Oconee Course and The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.  For more information, visit www.ReynoldsGolfAcademy.com.

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Greensboro, Ga. (October 6, 2009) - This Halloween weekend, Golf Digest & Golf World Magazines will be bringing their Celebrity Chef Classic to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.  This great event will be hosted by Public Broadcasting Service celebrity chef Ming Tsai and Golf Digest Senior Editor (and Golf Channel personality) Stina Sternberg, and will also bring a national audience to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge. A detailed itinerary of the event can be found at www.celebritychefclassic.com/schedule.

Golf Digest & Golf World would like to invite area residents to enjoy this great event, too.  There are two options that Golf Digest & Golf World have created specifically for those who are not in need of accommodations but would like to attend:

1. A local (non-accommodations) package that includes attendance at all of the weekend's functions (priced at $750+tax per person).

2. The Celebrity Chef Dinner and Auction on Friday night, October 30, hosted by chef Ming Tsai, at The Ritz-Carlton ballroom (priced at $175 per person).

The Friday night Celebrity Chef Dinner also includes a charity auction to benefit the local public charter school, Lake Oconee Academy.  Auction Items (subject to change - and more to come!) currently include golf packages in Scotland, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head's Harbour Town, art, jewelry, dining packages, and equipment from Golf Digest's "Hot List." 

Sign-up is easy - click on the "Registration" tab at http://www.celebritychefclassic.com/.  The local options are the last three on the menu.  Space is limited.

Host bios

Ming Tsai is an American fusion cuisine chef and restaurateur who currently hosts two cooking shows - Ming's Quest on the Fine Living television channel and Simply Ming on American Public Television - and formerly hosted East Meets West on the Food Network, for which he won an Emmy Award. He has also appeared as a challenger chef on the Food Network's Iron Chef America beating Iron Chef Bobby Flay in "Battle Duck" and was a judge for Cooking Under Fire on the PBS network.  Ming is the author of three cookbooks: Blue Ginger, Simply Ming, and Ming's Master Recipes.  He owns the famed Boston restaurant Blue Ginger.  In 2000, Ming was #16 on People Magazines Most Beautiful People list.

Golf Digest Senior Editor and co-host of Golf Channel's popular show, The Big Break, Stina Sternberg started her career as a teaching pro and clubfitter, then became equipment editor of Golf For Women magazine. A Golf Writers Association of America award-winning writer, Sternberg heads up GD's women's-golf coverage, pens a column called "Ask Stina" and is a member of GD's equipment panel as one of 4 judges of the Golf Digest Hot List. In addition to her publishing job, Sternberg launched her television career in 2004 when she became the host of a travel segment on USA Network's weekly PGA Tour Sunday.  In 2006, she took over as host of Golf Channel's travel show Golf With Style and appeared regularly on ESPN2's morning show Cold Pizza.  In 2007, she became one of three judges on GC's show Fore Inventors Only.

Greensboro, Ga. (September 24, 2009) - Reynolds Golf Academy student Jean Reynolds will be teeing it up on the LPGA Tour for the 2010 season.  Reynolds earned her LPGA Tour card with a second place finish on the Duramed FUTURES Tour season money list.  The top-10 money winners on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, the developmental tour of the LPGA, are granted full status on the LPGA Tour.

Reynolds, from Newnan, Ga., is a pupil of Charlie King, director of instruction at the Reynolds Golf Academy.  She had a stellar 2009 season on the Duramed FUTURES Tour with two victories, including one in her first start of the season, and a second place finish on the money list.  In addition to her wins, she posted five top-five finishes.

"Jean is a very talented player," says King.  "From the first year we worked together, we figured out that Jean's golf swing was her strength, and that her short game and mental approach were keeping her from reaching her full potential.  This year, she looked forward to every day of competition.  Jean proves that you can have fun playing competitive golf, and having fun helps you play better."

The highlight of Reynolds' season was her performance in the 2009 U.S Women's Open Championship at Saucon Valley in Bethlehem, Pa.  Reynolds held at least a top-three position on the leaderboard after each of the first three rounds of the championship, even taking the lead during first round play.  Her strong performance resulted in a T-17 finish and a tremendous learning experience about competition at its highest level.

About the Reynolds Golf Academy

The Reynolds Golf Academy at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, Ga., is a state-of-the-art learning center located just an hour's drive from Atlanta and Augusta.  Led by GOLF Magazine Top 100 Instructor Charlie King, the Reynolds Golf Academy features individual golf lessons, corporate golf outings, the New Rules Golf Schools which include the cutting-edge Essentials of Golf^TM Total Game Improvement Golf School and the "Red Zone" Short Game Golf School, based on King's book, "Golf's Red Zone Challenge."  The 16-acre, 6,550 square foot private campus is adjacent to Rees Jones' Oconee Course and The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.  For more information, visit www.ReynoldsGolfAcademy.com.

 Photo caption: Charlie King and Jean Reynolds, who will be competing on the LPGA Tour next year, after a lesson at the Reynolds Golf Academy.

 

 

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GREENSBORO, Ga. (September 8, 2009) - GOLF Magazine Top 100 Instructor Charlie King has released the instructor version of his eBook, "The New Rules of Golf Instruction," which is available for free download at NewRulesGolf.com. The eBook, which was featured in the Wall Street Journal on April 2, takes method teachers, and in fact the golf instruction industry, to task.

In an excerpt from the book, King writes, "The student is not hitting the ball well or poorly because of the look of his swing (method or model teaching).  The ball is being hit well or poorly because of the high, medium or low skill level of the golfer." 

He adds, "Golfers want to play better and instruction has fallen short for them.  Skill-based teaching is the answer, not models or methods.  All other sports use skill-based instruction.  Golf has not done this consistently."

The eBook features the nine areas where traditional (Old Rules) golf instruction has failed and introduces the "New Rules," a modern set of ideas and a higher set of standards for instructors.  King, the director of instruction at the Reynolds Golf Academy, believes the New Rules will pave the way for teachers to give clear and more effective instruction, allowing golfers of all skill levels to play their best golf.

"If we don't have a better system of teaching golf, golfers are not going to get better," says King.  "When lessons help golfers improve in a logical way, they stick with the game.  Old Rules make you look like a golfer, while New Rules make you into a golfer."

King's "New Rules" includes chapters on the full swing, the short game, the mental side of golf, practice and programs, fitness, the use of video, club fitting and communication.  For more information on "The New Rules of Golf Instruction," visit "The New Rules of Golf Instruction" Website.  The New Rules of Golf Instruction Blog is now an official Alltop.com golf blog.  Find it here.

 

About the Reynolds Golf Academy

The Reynolds Golf Academy at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, Ga., is a state-of-the-art learning center located just an hour's drive from Atlanta and Augusta.  Led by GOLF MAGAZINE Top 100 Instructor Charlie King, the Reynolds Golf Academy features individual golf lessons, corporate golf outings, the New Rules Golf Schools which include the cutting-edge Essentials of Golf^TM Total Game Improvement Golf School and the "Red Zone" Short Game Golf School, based on King's book, "Golf's Red Zone Challenge."  The 16-acre, 6,550 square foot private campus is adjacent to Rees Jones' Oconee Course and the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.  For more information, visit http://www.reynoldsgolfacademy.com/. 

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Greensboro, Ga. (August 13, 2009) - The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) recently announced that it will stage the 2010 5-A State Golf Championship at Reynolds Plantation and Reynolds Landing.  The championship has been conducted at Jekyll Island, Ga., for the past 25 years.

"We have worked with Reynolds for many years and we are thrilled to move the 5-A State Golf Championship to this location," says Gary Phillips, assistant executive director of the GHSA.  "It is centrally located among the 5-A schools and the championship golf courses make it the ideal location for the tournament."

The tournament has been scheduled for Monday, May 3, 2010.  The 18-hole event will be hosted at Reynolds Landing Golf Club for the boys and The Plantation Course for the girls.  In case of rain, the tournament will be played on May 10, 2010.

"Reynolds Plantation and the Reynolds family have a history of supporting the growth of the game of golf, and high school golf is a big part of this initiative," says Mark Lammi, director of golf at Reynolds Plantation.  "Reynolds Landing was very well received by the participants of the Southern Junior Golf Championship we hosted this year and we are very excited to showcase Reynolds Landing and Reynolds Plantation to the top high school golfers in the state in 2010."  

 

 

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Greensboro, Ga. (July 21, 2009) - The Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) will hold the 21^st staging of the Top 60 Women's Classic at Reynolds Landing Golf Club, July 29-30, 2009.

The event was established in 1989 to showcase the top female amateur golfers in Georgia.  The field is determined by handicap index, with the 60 lowest entrants receiving positions in the field.  The field is divided into five flights (Championship and first through fourth).  All participants play from the same tees and are eligible for the overall title.  Entries are open to female amateur golfers who are Georgia residents and members of a GSGA Member Club.

"We have been fortunate this year to host the Linger Longer Invitational men's collegiate tournament, the Southern Junior Championship and now the GSGA Top 60 Women's Classic," said Scott Justman, head golf professional at Reynolds Landing.  "It has been an honor to watch the tremendous competition between some of the best amateur golfers in the country."

Leigh Crosby of Athens, Ga., carded a final-round 77 to finish with a one stroke victory over Suwanee's Kendall Wright at the 2008 Top 60 Women's Classic, played at Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega, Ga.  "This win feels so good after finishing as the runner-up a year ago (2007)," said Crosby.  "I cannot wait to come back and defend this one."

The event is open to the public and spectators are welcome.

 

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Greensboro, Ga. (May 8, 2009) - Sean O'Hair not only has a new title under his belt and a new baby on the way, he also is the new representative of Reynolds Plantation on the PGA Tour.

One of golf's hottest young stars, the 26-year-old O'Hair has vacationed frequently at Reynolds Plantation, the golf and lake community where he and his family now are members.  O'Hair stayed at Reynolds Plantation while preparing for what has become the most successful spring of his career.  His victory Sunday at the Quail Hollow Championship vaulted O'Hair to No. 3 on the Tour money list and to No. 12 in the world rankings.

"We are thrilled to have Sean O'Hair serve as an ambassador for Reynolds Plantation on the PGA Tour," said Mercer Reynolds, Chairman of Reynolds Plantation.  "Sean is such a talented athlete, and a true gentleman. He and his family have developed an affinity for Reynolds Plantation and the entire area, as it provides a wonderful, activity-filled getaway, as well as a place to work on his golf game and equipment."

O'Hair has been among the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Professional staff to utilize the Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation, where the pros sharpen their technique, test and fine-tune equipment, thanks to the on-site TaylorMade Tour Trailer.

"I am excited about my partnership with Reynolds Plantation," O'Hair said.  "I always look forward to going there.  It is a fantastic place for golfers and is really cool for families, too."

O'Hair and his family enjoy the various lifestyle amenities offered throughout the Lake Oconee community.  O'Hair and his wife, Jackie, are expecting their third child.

With his third career Tour win Sunday, O'Hair has earned more than $2.9 million this year, already a single-season high.  Recognized as one of the most consistent players on the Tour, O'Hair is No. 1 in scoring average on the PGA Tour and leads in the All-Around ranking as well, with six Top 10s in 10 starts this year.

Reynolds Plantation has been named the "Best of the Best" Golf Community by Robb Report and the community with the "Best Golf" in America by the editors of GOLF Magazine.  Member residents enjoy five courses crafted by the most sought-after names in golf course design (with a sixth on the way to be designed by Pete Dye), as well as access to more than 80 miles of shoreline along Georgia's second-largest lake, The Lake Club Wellness Center and world-class Tennis Center.  And it's all complemented by the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

 

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