Reynolds Lake Oconee
Richland Course
10th Hole / Par-4 / 436 yards
Architect: Tom Fazio with Bryan Bowers
Greensboro, Georgia, USA
When coming to the golf colossus called Reynolds Lake Oconee the one constant dimension is the need to keep on improving the golf product and the latest effort in that regard is the unveiling of the 7th 18-hole layout called the Richland Course.
The newest addition combines nine previously existing holes from the Bluff Nine which was part of a 27-hole layout called The National.
The additional nine holes were added on a 75-acre piece of land and located on a middle stretch of holes commencing at the 6th through 14th holes.
The “new” holes provide a far different presentation than much of the golf found at Reynolds Lake Oconee. The openness of that property is blessed with rolling terrain and the inclusion of fescue rough that serves as the boundary between the holes.
One of the constant challenges in dealing with hilly terrain is how to properly route holes so the total experience is not overly impacted by excessive steep climbs.
The par-4 10th on Richland is smartly designed to avoid such issues. Yes, there is a climb of 40 feet from tee-to-green but the feeling is not so abrasive to be defined as an unrelenting slog.
For success to happen the tee shot must be played with sufficient distance and placement.
There is a solitary fairway bunker on the left and the landing area is tilted ever gently from left-to-right. There is high fescue grass waiting for the hapless play but it’s conveniently placed to the left side of the parallel cart path.
It is the approach shot that tests one’s golf skills. With the green elevated above the fairway, it is a necessity in selecting the proper club to get all the way to the target.
The green is sufficiently large at 7,250 square feet but the very front of the putting surface adds a devilish false front that must be carried. Shots that come up short will soon view the debilitating scene of one’s golf ball returning back towards the fairway.
The green has an array of vexing internal movements. The surface has two-tiers and when the pin is placed in the left rear corner it takes an archer’s marksmanship to both hit and hold that spot.
One of the constant elements on the new holes is the complexity of the putting surfaces. Players need to be ever mindful in securing the best landing areas with their approaches.
The 10th is well-crafted from start to finish. Those leaving the green in no more than four shots will have plenty to cheer about as they walk towards the 11th tee.
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