Approximately 400 guests, including contestants, VIPs and Reynolds Lake Oconee residents gathered together Sunday night to partake in the opening ceremonies of the much-anticipated Big Break Invitational, Reynolds Lake Oconee. The Oconee CourseThe Oconee Course practice range hosted a memorable launch party for a week of nationally-televised golf featuring a field of 40 of the brightest stars from Golf Channel’s popular Big Break reality series.
The festivities officially opened with a tartan-clad bagpiper passing through the crowd and arriving at center stage.
John Gunderson, president of Daniel Corporation – the community’s manager – provided the welcome and opening comments. “Tonight is the culmination of a process that began nearly two years ago,” said Gunderson. “Much more than an ordinary tournament, this week is a celebration of the world-class golf, unbeatable hospitality and beautiful surroundings that make-up the Reynolds Lake Oconee lifestyle. We are proud to have this opportunity to once again share this amazing community with a national audience.”
Brian Fox, chief marketing officer of MetLife, accompanied by his company’s “Chief Beagle,” Snoopy was also on hand to thank the managers and staff of Reynolds Lake Oconee, along with the hundreds of volunteers for their tireless work in making the Big Break Invitational possible. He also took a moment to reflect on the far-reaching recognition of the community’s brand.
“My professional travels take me all across the nation and around the world, and it’s such a rush to see someone wearing a Reynolds Lake Oconee shirt or hat in an airport and strike up a spontaneous conversation with them,” said Fox. “Whether it’s a member or someone who recently stayed at the resort, there is an instant connection, and everyone is eager to share their own personal Reynolds Lake Oconee story.”
The speeches were capped-off by Rich Beem, winner of the 2002 PGA Championship, who introduced the 40 contestants for the week’s tournament – among them PGA TOUR winner Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, 2013 Solheim Cup participant Gerina Piller, NFL Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice, and most recently, Big Break Florida winner Jackie Stoelting.
After all the formalities and introductions took place, it was time to cue the music, serve the food and enjoy a celebration accented by distinctively southern flavors. Tim Cadiere and The Washboard Road band entertained the crowd with a playlist of down-home classics inspiring toe-tapping, singing and even a little dancing. Guests were treated to a Georgia-style feast created by The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee culinary team and highlighted by smoked baby back ribs, roasted chicken, cedar-smoked salmon and a host of delectable desserts.
As the evening festivities wound-down, the players, volunteers, staff and Golf Channel crew turned their eyes to another course just across the lake, the Nicklaus-designed Great Waters. After a warm southern welcome to Reynolds Lake Oconee and Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, it was now time to team up and give spectators and television viewers a truly memorable week.
