Reynolds Lake Oconee - The Creek Club

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.