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Going Home to Reynolds Plantation
by Ed Stone, GoGolfandTravel.com
Thomas Wolfe's book, You Can't Go Home Again, did not hold true for me on my return to my hometown, Greensboro, Georgia, home of Reynolds Plantation, where one of America's greatest golf destinations has developed over the past 20 years. A recent two-day visit to the Plantation and the surrounding area was a most rewarding experience, filled with pride for the transformation of a once rural, remote part of northeast Georgia into an upscale resort and residential community. I grew up in Greene County during the 40's, 50's and 60's in a "Mayberry" setting. Everybody knew everybody and you dare not do anything wrong or someone would tell your parents. We left keys in our cars and never locked the doors to our homes. Pine, poultry, pasture and the Mary Leila Cotton Mill were the main industries. My family owned a small dairy farm south of town about a mile from downtown Greensboro.
An upscale development of residential communities and a world-famous golf resort, Reynolds Plantation lies on over 14,000 acres alongside Lake Oconee, the state's second largest lake. Presiding majestically over the entrance to the community is the Jackson House, an 1883 jewel of Steamboat Gothic architecture. In the 1800s, a pair of cousins, Mercer Reynolds, Sr. and James Madison Reynolds purchased several thousand acres on the Oconee River and built a hunting and fishing lodge, the Rock House, on land they called "Linger Longer." 75 miles east of Atlanta and 70 miles west of Augusta, the property remains in the family, and Reynolds Plantation and Reynolds Landing today comprises 14,000 acres and more than 90 miles of shoreline on Lake Oconee. Two Linger Longer residential communities, 99 holes of golf with four clubhouses; three marinas, the Lake Club, restaurants, 12 tennis courts, miles of walking trails and Lake Oconee Village are among the delights of the Plantation for vacationing guests and residents.
 In the early years of the construction, some local residents objected to the flow of new residents, yet as time has revealed, resort guests and new residents have brought wealth to the area. On my visit, I discovered that almost every employee I encountered was from the local area. In my days of growing up in Greene County, the options were farming and other agricultural businesses, or moving to other cities. I chose the latter... moving to Pine Mountain, Georgia, to work in the public relations department for Callaway Gardens, which introduced me to the travel and tourism industry. The growth of Reynolds Plantation has resulted in many jobs and careers in every aspect of hospitality and tourism. In fact, three of my nieces hold well-paying jobs either at Reynolds or associated businesses.
By the mid-1980's the Reynolds family began to create a permanent and second-home community and golf resort, eventually creating five signature golf courses--The Oconee, The National, Plantation, Reynolds Landing, and Great Waters, and a private course, The Creek Club. Bob Cupp designed the Plantation Course, which opened in 1988 and was listed as one of the "10 Best New Courses" by GOLF Magazine... I was fortunate to play it soon after it opened. A Jack Nicklaus design, the 7,048-yard Great Waters Course was added in 1992, and from 1995 to 1997, it was the site of the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf. In 2008, Great Waters will host the 2008 PGA Professional National Championship. The 18-hole National Course opened in 1997, laid out by course architect guru, Tom Fazio; and nine more holes were added in 2000. Soon after, the Oconee Course opened adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Rees Jones was the architect and the design is one of his best. I played the course and found it very enjoyable, challenging to all levels of golfers. The Oconee hosted the 2007 PGA Cup and the annual Chick-Fil-A Bowl Alma Mater. Overseeing daily clinics on the Oconee is Charlie King, Director of the Reynolds Golf Academy and one of Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Instructors." Golf Digest's 2003 "Architect of the Year", Jim Engh, created the contemporary masterpiece, the Creek Club. Opened in 2007, this is the first member-only course at the Plantation.
 The AAA 5-diamond Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation rose on 35-acres of picturesque lakeshore in 2002, the first-ever, lodge-style Ritz. Classy, rustic, the lodge has an aura of sophistication, yet a relaxed atmosphere, nestled in a pine setting overlooking the lake. Swimming, boating, water sports and fishing are among the activities that families enjoy, while Up-to-Par Sports Therapy and customized massages lure the tuckered golfer to the 26,000-square-foot luxury spa. Rich mahogany and cherry woods figure prominently in the 251 rooms and suites. Six 2- and 3-bedroom golf cottages and a 4-bedroom Presidential House are also available for guests. Travel+Leisure Magazine says it's one of the "World's Best Hotels" for 2008.
My first visit to the Lodge brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes, and not only from the beauty of the place. How proud I was of the people I grew up with and friends who work here, and who embody a sense of pride of ownership. Today, some 800-plus people are employed at Reynolds Plantation and Reynolds Landing. The economic impact on Greene County has been tremendous, and it was all possible due to the realization of the Reynolds family's vision for a first-class community.
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