
Great Waters Course
Reynolds Plantation at Great Waters

About this course
Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee isn't just carved into the Georgia landscape; it's a communion with it, a testament to Jack Nicklaus's belief that golf should both challenge and celebrate its natural surroundings. Threading along 5 miles of Lake Oconee's shoreline, the course embraces its watery embrace on nearly every hole. This celebrated course, a product of the late 20th-century design ethos, is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens that demand creative shot-making. While the outward nine meanders through rolling hills and towering pines, the inward nine plunges towards the lake, culminating in a series of breathtaking, risk-reward holes where a daring approach can yield exhilarating results. While never a host to major professional championships, Great Waters has cultivated a dedicated following of discerning golfers who value its playability, impeccable conditioning, and stunning scenery. Beyond the course, the club fosters a strong sense of community, drawing members together through a shared passion for the game and a love of lakeside living. Many gather after a round to enjoy the club's famed Lowcountry shrimp and grits, a culinary tradition that mirrors the course's unique blend of challenge and charm.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in GA
Quick facts
- Location
- Eatonton, GA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1992
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,073 yards
- Difficulty
- 74/138
- Course Vaults score
- 8.2
Getting there
The journey to Reynolds Plantation at Great Waters begins at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), roughly ninety minutes southeast through the rolling piedmont landscape of central Georgia. The drive traces a gentle descent from Atlanta's urban sprawl into increasingly pastoral terrain, where red clay soil and pine forests signal entry into the quieter reaches of the Georgia countryside. Private aviation arrives at nearby Eatonton-Madison Airport, a discreet alternative for those seeking a more intimate approach. The final miles unfold along country roads that open onto the manicured grounds of Reynolds Plantation, where the clubhouse overlooks the serene waters of Lake Oconee - a transition from highway to lakeside sanctuary that marks arrival at one of the Southeast's most refined golf communities.

FAQ
Common questions about Great Waters
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Great Waters has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 70 logged golfers.
Great Waters was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Great Waters is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Great Waters is 72.
Great Waters plays 7,073 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Great Waters is 138.





