Reynolds Lake Oconee - The Creek Club

I agree with GA editor Brandon Tucker's assessment that it's a shame this "exclusive" course isn't available to resort players or the rest of the members at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Because The Creek Club is definitely the most scenic and striking course at Reynolds. I thoroughly enjoyed it. With its wide fairways and bowled greens that feed balls toward the holes, you can make a lot of birdies out there, which makes The Creek Club a lot of fun, especially when you consider the amazing views. If regular golfers got to play this course, The Creek Club would certainly be a course that would be talked about when people mentioned Reynolds Lake Oconee.

With that said, this course isn't for everyone, especially seniors or any golfers who might have difficulty dealing with the deep bunkers or even the climbs back and forth from the cart paths down to the greens. It's a bit zany, especially on the greens. The par-3 13th yields more aces than the rest of the par 3s combined, but if you don't put it reasonably close to the hole, a four-putt is certainly possible (I know; I had to make a four-footer to prevent a four-putt).

Yes, it's anything but traditional golf. Variety is certainly the spice of life, and golf is no exception. Not everyone will like it, but that can be said about almost any golf course.

A few days removed from this round and I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the layout. But I will say this: architectJim Engh delivered a polarizing course that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The Creek is one of six courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee, and it's the only facility that is completely private. You have to be a platinum member in order to play here, or be escorted by one.

That's interesting to me because it feels a bit like a wild "calendar golf" course that tourists would love to play and get a kick out of, like Tobacco Road, for example. Nevertheless, Oconee members enjoy the exclusive and one-of-a-kind facility.

I've played some Engh courses before and so I had an idea of what to expect: Big fairways, spectacular vistas off the tee, split fairways, eye-popping bunkers and remarkable greens complex imagination.

What's interesting to me is that it's both player-friendly and not at the same time: Fairways and greens are generally bowled, so errant shots are easily corralled, but bunkers are deep and often in front of elevated greens. The bowls surrounding greens also mean you usually park your cart well above the green and tip-toe down. I'd be curious how elderly players manage here between the deep bunkers and mounding. You can also putt it off the green if you're in the wrong spot.

The 18th hole is, fittingly, an over-the-top finish. The elevated tee is spectacular, and Engh built three greens for this hole alone. We played high up to the left, but IMO the middle green seemed like the only one worth keeping. Anyways...

I'm glad I played the course, it's certainly got five-star scenery, even though it's mostly away from the lake, though I don't think resort guests should be knocking down the gates to play it with a lot of great golf to play on property. But for members at a six-course facility, having one like this is probably a hoot once in awhile.