MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. But with cold weather arriving, now is the time to get in a well needed practice session. Before outdoor golf season arrives. Toptracer, lessons, club fittings are available. So bring your clubs and an appetite, to eat at McWethys Sports Bar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook. In the Mistwood Golf Dome with the new Callaway Rogue Driver. Photo by Bonny Brown.
REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE-Part 2.
The Oconee Course and Reynolds as a destination visit or future home.
AFTER PLAYING GREAT WATERS, the next day was another over due round of golf, the Oconee Course by Rees Jones.
I was supposed to play Oconee the day before the rainout on Great Waters back in February of 2020. But arrived to find the course closed for maintenance.
This time rain struck again at 4 AM, and when I arrived for the 11 AM shotgun on Oconee, the course was cart path only. As a result, I was the only one who showed up to play. But that was also a result of the fact that more rain was on it’s way. But when you have one of the best courses in state all to yourself, and the temperature is 67 degrees in February. You go play, and I did.
Welcome to the Oconee Course-your on the first hole. The first of 18 good holes you will play during this round of golf.
THE OCONEE COURSE opened in 2002 and was designed by Rees Jones. Jones who was nicknamed “The Open Doctor”, for renovation work on courses that were awarded U.S. Opens. But in later years, a few touring professionals were critical of some of Jones work. But even the those players would have trouble finding fault with Jones design of the Oconee Course, because Oconee might be some of the best work Jones has ever done. Jones himself says the back-nine on Oconee is one of the best you will play, and Oconee’s mix of par 3 holes have constantly received rave reviews.
The par 4, 4th hole on Oconee.
RIGHT FROM THE first tee the course jumps out and catches your eye.
Elevation change is evident right from the opening tee shot, and Jones used it every way he could during the building of the golf course.
Oconee has uphill and downhill holes, some that are banked on the left side and right side of the fairways. Elevated tee shots, and both uphill or downhill approach shots.
The downhill 202 yard, par 3 eighth hole. Tee shot tip-don’t miss left.
BACK TEES TOP OUT at 7,158 yards, but there are five sets of tees, that have eight different yardage combinations from both sets of tees. Front tees measure out at 5,150 yards.
No matter how good the golf course is, there is usually one hole that seasoned golfers might take issue with. However that is not the case with the Oconee course, it’s that good. In fact one of the toughest questions to answer for any golfer, is the one about if you had to pick one course to play every day which one would it be. Oconee is a course that would fall on that list for many golfers.
The par 3 227 yard, 13th hole requires a large bunker carry, but is fun to play from the elevated tee boxes.
There is an old saying in golf, that the best courses require you to hit every club in your bag. Well Oconee will do that, so make sure you have all 14 clubs in the your golf bag when you start your round.
To enjoy an outstanding day on one of Georgia’s best golf courses, call the pro shop at (706)-467-1200. You will be glad you did.
IF YOUR HUNGRY when you finish play at Oconee, why not just walk in and dine at the Linger Longer Steakhouse, or pick from the options at the nearby Ritz-Carlton. Either way you can’t go wrong.
THE OCONEE CLUB HOUSE and home to the Linger Longer Steakhouse (L). The entrance to the Ritz-Carlton-Reynolds Lake Oconee (R)
THE TAVERN at the National Golf Course is some of the best dining on property, with a full bar, tasty brick-oven pizza’s and more. Across the street from the Tavern are the National Cottages, a multi-level cottage that has four bedroom/baths and is great for visiting groups.
(L) The Creek Club by Jim Engh (2007) the members course, you must be a member or golf with a member for access to the Creek Club. (R) The ninth hole on the National by Tom Fazio (1997). Reynolds has six golf courses total, five are open to guests.
The main kitchen and dining island in the National cottages.
LIVING AT REYNOLDS is a great option for all who visit, because some visitors end up never leaving. Homes at Reynolds are designed for the owners tastes. You won’t end up having a house that looks identical to the neighbors on each side of your home.
With all that Reynolds has to offer, there are several home options. You can live back in the peacefulness of the trees, on the golf course, or right on the water front of Lake Oconee. There are some 374 miles of shoreline to pick from, if you would like to build your new home with a lake view.
IF YOU ENJOY other activities in addition to golf, Reynolds offers boating, tennis, walking trails, sporting clays, fishing and there are plenty of pools to pick from and a spa for some real relaxation.
Reynolds Lake Oconee is 85 miles from Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson International airport, and 84 miles from Augusta Georgia. Just over an hours drive if your going to a major golf tournament in the month of April.
For information on golf trips or living at Reynolds, visit ReynoldsLakeOconee.com or call (800)-901-1204. Reynolds Lake-Oconee for when you have Georgia on your mind.