With the conclusion of the 2016 Masters, most golfers still have visions of azaleas, Georgia pines and emerald fairways dancing in their heads. If you’re suffering from Masters envy, I have the cure — the next best thing to that inaccessible bastion of American golf, Augusta National.
The gated resort/residential community at Reynolds Lake Oconee, an hour west of Augusta, has azaleas and pines galore — and 117 holes of golf wrapped around Georgia’s second-largest lake. You won’t be playing the Masters venue, but you will be following in the footsteps of legendary designers Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Jim Engh, Rees Jones and Bob Cupp. Reynolds is relatively undiscovered outside of the Southeast, but its appearance on GOLF’s 2016 “25 Best Golf Communities in North America” list may change that.
My friend and I flew to Atlanta and drove an hour east to Reynolds, where we checked into one of the many well-appointed condos on the grounds. There are charming cottages as well, and the AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton resort, which includes 251 rooms and suites with mahogany furnishings, Egyptian cotton linens and marble and granite bathrooms. Among the resort’s many dining choices is (my favorite) the Linger Longer Steakhouse in the Oconee Clubhouse, with its superb beef, seafood and dessert soufflés.
We began our stay with a pontoon boat ride, eying the waterside golf holes and contemplating how to work in some fishing in the bass-filled lake. We played golf every day and had a skills tune-up at the Reynolds Kingdom of Golf, an extensive golf academy. We also tried to sample other diversions in this family-friendly enclave, which include the Peter Burwash International Tennis Center; miles of hiking and biking trails; and four marinas with kayaks, PWCs and other water toys. We needed a treatment in the 26,000-square-foot spa to recoup!
A resort community since the 1980s, MetLife purchased Reynolds Lake Oconee in 2012. The new owners poured millions into renovations of the courses and hotel, and added a clubhouse and restaurant to the 27-hole National Course.
So, it’s okay Augusta National is members-only. Staying at Reynolds and making daytrips to the Masters offers the best of both worlds.
Reynolds Lake Oconee
100 Linger Longer Road
Greensboro, GA 30642
Read This Next
Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 25, 2026Why Lake Placid Belongs on Every Holiday Travel List
Lake Placid, New York, should be on your winter travel radar. With its snow-covered Adirondack peaks, charming Main Street and winter traditions, the destination creates a sense of nostalgic holiday fun.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Daily
Sep 25, 2026New Branding for Luxury Palace Cairo Hotel
One of Kempinski’s most distinctive palace hotels, the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, has just been rebranded as Kempinski Palace Cairo. Conveniently and centrally positioned in New Cairo, this 5-star property combines classic European elegance with the hospitality for which Egypt is recognized. Offering 245 swish rooms and suites, The Palace Spa by Resense, expansive event spaces, and a selection of culinary experiences, the hotel provides guest with a serene base that’s just 15 minutes from Cairo International Airport.
Daily
Sep 25, 2026Orient Express Sailing Yachts Announces Ocean Rebirth Wellness Retreat with Guerlain
Oct. 12–26, 2026, Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Guerlain welcome guests to an immersive journey with Ocean Rebirth, a fourteen-night wellness retreat aboard Orient Express Corinthian.
Sponsored Content
The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom
The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.
Daily
Sep 24, 2026Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove Adds New Amenities, Programming
Opened in early 2026, Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove continues its momentous year with newly added amenities and programming. Located in one of California’s most charming and culturally rich coastal towns, the hotel brought a new luxury lifestyle offering and a fresh spirit to the Monterey Peninsula.
4 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Daily
Sep 23, 2026eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Amex to Open First Centurion Lounge in Continental Europe at Amsterdam Schiphol
American Express officially became the first global credit card company to operate a lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The brand’s Centurion Lounge opened at AMS Sept. 17, spanning nearly 6,000 square feet and offering a plethora of amenities.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Panamá Introduces No-Cost Tourist Insurance for International Travelers
Strengthening its appeal as more than a connection or stopover point, Panamá recently announced a series of new initiatives to encourage international travelers to stay longer and experience the destination in a more immersive way. Part of these initiatives includes no-cost tourist insurance for eligible international tourists, with coverage automatically available during the first 10 days of their stay. No additional payment or registration is required.
ShareThis