Each April, the sporting world focuses its gaze upon Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Week in Augusta, Georgia. Marking the unofficial start to spring, where azaleas bloom and legends are made, the Masters isn't just a tournament—it's a pilgrimage. But just 90 minutes west of Augusta, another kind of paradise awaits. Tucked against the tranquil shores of Lake Oconee, Georgia's premier lakefront destination offers a refined and relaxed way to experience the Masters—one that pairs world-class golf with gracious Southern living.
Morning Tee Times, Afternoon Tradition
For die-hards and novices alike, golf takes center stage around Lake Oconee, most notably within the stellar Reynolds planned community. Boasting seven outstanding, tournament-caliber courses, but without the usual crowds for such a place, four of these illustrious tracks standout:
Great Waters (Jack Nicklaus) – Fresh off a Nicklaus-led renovation, this lakeside gem features nine holes hugging the water and greens that rival Augusta in beauty and bite. The views are awe-inspiring, and the layout offers both challenge and beauty.
The Oconee (Rees Jones) – Often described as "tournament ready," this course is known for its elegant layout, demanding water features, and dramatic finishing holes that reward precision and creativity.
The National (Tom Fazio) – A 27-hole architectural showcase split amongst three distinctive 9-hole layouts, this forested masterwork winds through Georgia pines and natural elevation changes, offering endless combinations and strategy.
The Landing (Bob Cupp) – The original Reynolds course, and still a favorite, has scenic vistas and a player-friendly design that serves as the perfect balance to Reynolds' more demanding layouts.
With Augusta National just 90 minutes away, Lake Oconee makes it easy to blend your own golf game with spectating the best in the world, but tee times during Masters Week fill fast. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, and Reynolds Vacation Rentals often enjoy priority access. Early booking is essential.
Great Waters (Jack Nicklaus) – Fresh off a Nicklaus-led renovation, this lakeside gem features nine holes hugging the water and greens that rival Augusta in beauty and bite. The views are awe-inspiring, and the layout offers both challenge and beauty.
The Oconee (Rees Jones) – Often described as "tournament ready," this course is known for its elegant layout, demanding water features, and dramatic finishing holes that reward precision and creativity.
The National (Tom Fazio) – A 27-hole architectural showcase split amongst three distinctive 9-hole layouts, this forested masterwork winds through Georgia pines and natural elevation changes, offering endless combinations and strategy.
The Landing (Bob Cupp) – The original Reynolds course, and still a favorite, has scenic vistas and a player-friendly design that serves as the perfect balance to Reynolds' more demanding layouts.
With Augusta National just 90 minutes away, Lake Oconee makes it easy to blend your own golf game with spectating the best in the world, but tee times during Masters Week fill fast. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, and Reynolds Vacation Rentals often enjoy priority access. Early booking is essential.
Elevated Stays: Where to Call Home
Skip the hotel scramble in Augusta and opt for refined comfort at Lake Oconee, where accommodations offer space, privacy, and a deep sense of Southern hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, is the anchor of lakefront luxury. Expect impeccable service, lake-view fire pits, and spa treatments worthy of a champion. Guests enjoy direct access to five premier courses and curated experiences.
Reynolds Vacation Rentals offers golf cottages, villas, and waterfront homes that feel like a second residence. Many feature gourmet kitchens, spacious porches, and concierge services that handle everything from tee times to boat rentals.
Private Home Rentals cater to those traveling with a group or extending their stay. Think outdoor kitchens, game rooms, private docks, and panoramic lake views.
Whether you're visiting for the week or exploring the area as a potential second home, Lake Oconee's accommodations offer a tailored sense of place and privilege.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, is the anchor of lakefront luxury. Expect impeccable service, lake-view fire pits, and spa treatments worthy of a champion. Guests enjoy direct access to five premier courses and curated experiences.
Reynolds Vacation Rentals offers golf cottages, villas, and waterfront homes that feel like a second residence. Many feature gourmet kitchens, spacious porches, and concierge services that handle everything from tee times to boat rentals.
Private Home Rentals cater to those traveling with a group or extending their stay. Think outdoor kitchens, game rooms, private docks, and panoramic lake views.
Whether you're visiting for the week or exploring the area as a potential second home, Lake Oconee's accommodations offer a tailored sense of place and privilege.
Watch the Tournament in Style
You don't need a badge to feel connected to the action. After a morning round or lakeside massage, settle into your villa's great room with the tournament on a widescreen TV, a charcuterie board nearby, and a glass of bourbon in hand.
Prefer something more social? Many guests gather on outdoor verandas or fire pits in the evening, reliving the day's best shots and sharing Masters stories under the stars.
Transportation services are available for those venturing to Augusta through many rentals and resort concierges. A chauffeured ride means you can bypass the parking stress and return to Lake Oconee in time for dinner.
Prefer something more social? Many guests gather on outdoor verandas or fire pits in the evening, reliving the day's best shots and sharing Masters stories under the stars.
Transportation services are available for those venturing to Augusta through many rentals and resort concierges. A chauffeured ride means you can bypass the parking stress and return to Lake Oconee in time for dinner.
Dining Worthy of a Green Jacket
Lake Oconee's culinary scene punches well above its weight. Whether dining in your golf attire or dressing up for a celebratory evening, the food is as much a highlight as the golf.
Gaby's by the Lake – Located poolside at The Ritz, this open-air spot serves fish tacos, burgers, and frozen cocktails with a view that never gets old. A favorite among the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds restaurants which also include the Linger Longer Steakhouse and Amore Del Lago Italian restaurant.
National Tavern – A stylish yet relaxed clubhouse favorite known for Southern staples like shrimp & grits and bourbon-glazed pork chops. One of several clubhouse dining options featured in Reynolds Lake Oconee.
The Silver Moon – A hidden gem in Eatonton with outstanding comfort food offerings and an intimate, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. They don’t take reservations and locals love it, but the peak time wait is well worth it.
Lake Oconee Bistro – Ideal for groups, this casual-chic destination offers shareable plates, steaks, an extensive wine list, and a fantastic outdoor deck.
Sweet Kneads – This cozy bakery serves fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and small-batch coffee for early risers—perfect before the drive to Augusta. If you visit for lunch, the chicken salad is a must try.
Gaby's by the Lake – Located poolside at The Ritz, this open-air spot serves fish tacos, burgers, and frozen cocktails with a view that never gets old. A favorite among the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds restaurants which also include the Linger Longer Steakhouse and Amore Del Lago Italian restaurant.
National Tavern – A stylish yet relaxed clubhouse favorite known for Southern staples like shrimp & grits and bourbon-glazed pork chops. One of several clubhouse dining options featured in Reynolds Lake Oconee.
The Silver Moon – A hidden gem in Eatonton with outstanding comfort food offerings and an intimate, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. They don’t take reservations and locals love it, but the peak time wait is well worth it.
Lake Oconee Bistro – Ideal for groups, this casual-chic destination offers shareable plates, steaks, an extensive wine list, and a fantastic outdoor deck.
Sweet Kneads – This cozy bakery serves fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and small-batch coffee for early risers—perfect before the drive to Augusta. If you visit for lunch, the chicken salad is a must try.
Beyond the Greens: Leisure and Luxury
Masters Week is about more than golf. It's about soaking in a lifestyle where leisure, luxury, and nature align.
- The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee – Rejuvenate with a signature massage, facial, or full-body treatment. The serene lakeside setting makes every treatment feel restorative.
- Lake Cruises & Pontoon Rentals – Explore the lake by boat. Sunset charters with wine and snacks offer a sublime break from the fairways.
- Evening Fire Pits & Private Verandas – Many homes and resort spaces include outdoor lounges perfect for end-of-day relaxation.
- Outdoor Recreation – Hike the pine-lined trails, take a yoga class, or paddleboard into the sunrise.
Explore Georgia's Premier Lakefront Golfing Community with a Trusted Local Real Estate Professional
Attending the Masters is just one aspect of living a luxurious golfing lifestyle. To experience it in full—on your own terms, with a cocktail by the lake and a tee time waiting—requires something more. Lake Oconee delivers a parallel golf universe where hospitality reigns, the fairways are pristine, and every detail is fretted over. It's not just a convenient stay near Augusta—it's a lifestyle immersion for those who love the game, its traditions, and the quiet luxury surrounding it.
Whether you're seeking a new primary home to establish a permanent residence, a vacation property to frequent during Masters Week and beyond, or high-end investment options, contact Riezl Baker today to begin your Lake Oconee real estate journey. An award-winning Real Estate Agent with 24 years of real estate experience at Lake Oconee, Georgia, allow Riezl and her team's knowledge and expertise to help you discover your Lake Oconee dream home.
Whether you're seeking a new primary home to establish a permanent residence, a vacation property to frequent during Masters Week and beyond, or high-end investment options, contact Riezl Baker today to begin your Lake Oconee real estate journey. An award-winning Real Estate Agent with 24 years of real estate experience at Lake Oconee, Georgia, allow Riezl and her team's knowledge and expertise to help you discover your Lake Oconee dream home.
