Designed by the LEGEND HIMSELF.
Signature course
Designed by the LEGEND HIMSELF.
Eighteen major professional titles cemented Jack Nicklaus’ on-course legacy in golf history as one of the game’s greatest performers. However, those who play his Great Waters course at Reynolds can attest that his architectural skills represent an entirely new kind of legacy. The dramatic signature layout of Great Waters, much of which winds among the tranquil coves of Lake Oconee, has provided golfers with exceptional play since its premiere in 1992. Undergoing a restoration in 2019, the completely rebuilt, modernized, and reconditioned version of the 1992 original is a visually breathtaking 18 holes of championship golf along the Lake Oconee shoreline that looks almost exactly the way Jack Nicklaus first designed it—but better.
- Yards 7,400
- Par 72
- Opening Year 1992
- Full Renovation 2019
Great Waters
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HOLE
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PAR
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YARDS
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HOLE
1
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PAR
4
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YARDS
387
HOLE 1
TEES
- 1 - 387
- 2 - 370
- 3 - 349
- 4 - 324
- 5 - 230
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 1
The ideal center line for this opening hole is the left center of the fairway to avoid the two right bunkers. A gentle left to right slope on the left side of the fairway will normally move shorts toward the middle of the fairway. A slightly downhill approach shot to a green that is protected by two bunkers on the right side of the green awaits each player.
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HOLE
2
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PAR
5
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YARDS
498
HOLE 2
TEES
- 1 - 498
- 2 - 486
- 3 - 443
- 4 - 406
- 5 - 387
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 2
The left center of the fairway is an ideal target line to avoid the two bunkers that guard both sides of the fairway. A small pond sits short and right of the green so avoid this area with a layup or approach shot that is positioned short or well left. A layup down the left side of the fairway provides the best angle into the green by taking the greenside bunker and water out of play.
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HOLE
3
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PAR
4
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YARDS
407
HOLE 3
TEES
- 1 - 407
- 2 - 372
- 3 - 333
- 4 - 327
- 5 - 272
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 3
The ideal target line for this dogleg left is the right center of the fairway. Longer players can challenge the corner but still need to favor the right side of the first bunker. A slightly uphill shot to a green that is protected by a bunker on the left and a run off to the right will challenge the players on both accuracy and distance control.
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HOLE
4
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PAR
3
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YARDS
178
HOLE 4
TEES
- 1 - 178
- 2 - 157
- 3 - 134
- 4 - 121
- 5 - 109
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 4
This downhill par 3 is guarded by two bunkers and a creek. Play to the left center of this green and allow your shot pattern to work. Distance control is a premium and par is always a great score here.
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HOLE
5
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PAR
4
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YARDS
413
HOLE 5
TEES
- 1 - 413
- 2 - 353
- 3 - 330
- 4 - 244
- 5 - 214
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 5
This dogleg left hole demands a well-placed tee shot to avoid going through the fairway and the creek along the front/left side of the fairway. An ideal target line is the big pine tree that is located in the distance. Water guards this green to the front and to the right so playing to the left center of the green is recommended.
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HOLE
6
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PAR
5
-
YARDS
525
HOLE 6
TEES
- 1 - 525
- 2 - 496
- 3 - 471
- 4 - 395
- 5 - 387
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 6
The right center of the fairway is an ideal target line for this par 5. A right to left slope located in the right rough will normally move tee shots back into or close to the fairway. Longer players will have an opportunity to reach this hole in two shots while others will need to play smart and avoid the fairway bunkers on the layup. The green is guarded by two bunkers and a runoff on the right.
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HOLE
7
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PAR
4
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YARDS
463
HOLE 7
TEES
- 1 - 463
- 2 - 400
- 3 - 353
- 4 - 315
- 5 - 267
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 7
The ideal target line for this long uphill par 4 is the left center of the fairway. This position off the tee creates a better angle into a green that is guarded by tall pines on the left and a bunker positioned on the short right portion of the green.
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HOLE
8
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PAR
3
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YARDS
207
HOLE 8
TEES
- 1 - 207
- 2 - 188
- 3 - 154
- 4 - 137
- 5 - 131
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 8
This long par 3 demands both accuracy and distance control and players are challenged to avoid the three bunkers that surround this hole. Tee shots that carry the left edge of the front right bunker will take advantage of a generous right to left slope that will move shots toward the middle of the green.
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HOLE
9
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PAR
4
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YARDS
370
HOLE 9
TEES
- 1 - 370
- 2 - 359
- 3 - 327
- 4 - 303
- 5 - 237
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 9
The right center of the fairway is an ideal target line to avoid the two left fairways bunkers and to take advantage of the right to left slope located on the right side of the fairway. Lake Oconee comes into play for overly aggressive tee shots so play accordingly. The second shot demands distance control along with a target line that starts and ends left or long of pin locations along the water.
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HOLE
10
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PAR
4
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YARDS
405
HOLE 10
TEES
- 1 - 405
- 2 - 383
- 3 - 349
- 4 - 313
- 5 - 259
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 10
Players can challenge the fairway bunkers or lay back to avoid a difficult second shot out of one of the two bunkers. The left center of the fairway is an ideal target line regardless of the decision. An uphill shot awaits the players and the green is protected by a bunker in the front. Shots that are long of this green will face a difficult up and down.
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HOLE
11
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PAR
4
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YARDS
325
HOLE 11
TEES
- 1 - 325
- 2 - 311
- 3 - 293
- 4 - 242
- 5 - 229
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 11
This drivable par 4 provides players with a number of options. A layup to the plateau short of the water will provide a flat lie and a short yardage but players will need to have great distance control to this heavily guarded and shallow green. Another option is a longer club with a target line down the right center of the fairway. Risk is obviously increased with this approach but a much shorter yardage awaits a successful tee shot. The slope to the right of the fairway will normally push errant tee shots back into the fairway. Be confident in your decision and take advantage of the shortest par 4 on the course!
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HOLE
12
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PAR
5
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YARDS
555
HOLE 12
TEES
- 1 - 555
- 2 - 505
- 3 - 477
- 4 - 419
- 5 - 399
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 12
This long par 5 is a three-shot hole for most players. The left center of the fairway is an ideal target line for longer players while others need to aim further to the right. A blind second shot awaits the players and a layup to a comfortable wedge distance is required for those who can’t reach the green in two. This green is guarded by two bunkers that are located both front left and long of the green. Approach shots that miss the green to the right have a very manageable up and down.
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HOLE
13
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PAR
4
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YARDS
414
HOLE 13
TEES
- 1 - 414
- 2 - 379
- 3 - 350
- 4 - 327
- 5 - 268
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 13
This downhill par 4 requires a tee shot that favors the left center of the fairway to avoid the fairway bunker on the right and to take advantage of a slope located to the left of the fairway that aids errant left tee shots. Depending on yardage, the second shot into this well-protected three bunker green will play downhill 4-6 yards. Lake Oconee comes into play just beyond the green so be cautious with back pin locations. Shots that land too far to the right on the middle portion of the green fall victim to a run off and collection area.
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HOLE
14
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PAR
3
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YARDS
175
HOLE 14
TEES
- 1 - 175
- 2 - 155
- 3 - 145
- 4 - 117
- 5 - 99
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 14
Two bunkers and Lake Oconee guard this par 3 green. Distance control and accuracy is required along with correctly judging the wind as it comes off Lake Oconee. Pay attention to the wind direction and its severity along with proper club choice and trajectory to maximize success.
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HOLE
15
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PAR
4
-
YARDS
405
HOLE 15
TEES
- 1 - 405
- 2 - 349
- 3 - 331
- 4 - 268
- 5 - 223
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 15
Accuracy is required on this recently lengthened par 4. Two bunkers guard the fairway on the right along with trees and OB to the left. A tee ball that finds the short grass is vital because accuracy and distance control are both required on the second shot into a well sloped and guarded green. Run offs on the edges of the green and three bunkers await the players so pay attention to the wind, club selection and find a safe landing spot.
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HOLE
16
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PAR
4
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YARDS
454
HOLE 16
TEES
- 1 - 454
- 2 - 423
- 3 - 400
- 4 - 352
- 5 - 303
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 16
Accuracy and distance are a must at this long and tough par 4. A tee shot that finds the right center of the fairway is ideal due to an improved angle into a green protected by bunkers and Lake Oconee. Second shots that come up just short of the green provide the easiest opportunity for an up and down to most pin locations. Par is a great score at the 16th.
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HOLE
17
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PAR
3
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YARDS
160
HOLE 17
TEES
- 1 - 160
- 2 - 138
- 3 - 118
- 4 - 101
- 5 - 91
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 17
This short but dangerous par 3 is protected by Lake Oconee and a wind that often swirls. Pay attention to the cover distance on the right because it plays longer than the left portion of the green. Distance control is a premium.
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HOLE
18
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PAR
5
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YARDS
495
HOLE 18
TEES
- 1 - 495
- 2 - 475
- 3 - 437
- 4 - 388
- 5 - 380
John Sitler
Head Golf Professional
HOLE 18
The signature par 5 finishing hole is picturesque from start to finish. Two well placed bunkers just right of the fairway make going for this green in two extremely difficult so stay left of them if possible. Lake Oconee lines the entire left side of the fairway and guards the front of the green. Longer players will have an opportunity to challenge this hole in two while others are strongly encouraged to play toward the wide and generous lay-up area down the right side of the hole. One bunker sits behind the green and errant shots to the right side of the green provide the easiest opportunity for an up and down.
Awards & Designations
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Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play 2023 -
Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public 2023 -
GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play 2022 -
Golf Digest's Best in State 2024 -
Golfweek's Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play 2022 -
Golfweek's Top 200 Residential Courses in the US 2023 -
Golfweek's Top 200 Resort Courses in the US 2023 -
Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public 2023
