On its 2024 list, Golf Digest has named Reynolds Lake Oconee (RLO) among the top 50 U.S. golf destinations for women.
As more women join the game – approximately 800,000 from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Golf Foundation – they realize one of the greatest experiences for any golfer is gathering with friends and taking their collective love for the sport on the road. Golf Digest editors spoke with women golfers and instructors nationwide to curate the list of the top 50 destinations that make a great choice for a women’s golf trip.
“We know that every group is looking for something different in a golf getaway, which is why this list is full of unique experiences,” Golf Digest editors said.
They explained that the list includes great golf as well as a mix of other activities, such as access to top-notch spas, fine wines, and dining. Each resort features women-friendly environments, including golf school and clinic options.
In addition to one of the most diverse collections of elite golf courses in the United States – seven as of this fall – Reynolds Lake Oconee offers varied lodging and dining options, a stunning lakefront location, and a wide choice of other activities and amenities.
Five courses are open to resort guests, each with multiple sets of tees to suit golfers of all abilities.
Golf Digest singled out The Oconee course, known for its manageable risk-reward shot options and views of the serene Lake Oconee on five holes.
The Oconee is an easy walk from The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, a lakeside resort on 30 acres of Lake Oconee shoreline. The resort’s 257 accommodations include guest rooms and suites, a Ritz-Carlton Club Level, stand-alone two- and three-bedroom cottages, and a three-story lake house. Guests also can enjoy a recently renovated 27,000-square-foot, full-service spa and fitness center.
The resort features three dedicated pools, including options for adults only, and a beach for relaxation and lake activities. Dining options include authentic Italian cuisine at Amore del Lago, updated classics at Linger Longer Steakhouse, and casual fare at Gaby’s by the Lake.
Oconee Cove, the resort’s newest addition, is a sophisticated speakeasy lounge where guests enjoy an ambiance reminiscent of a stately library while savoring handcrafted cocktails, curated spirits, and delectable small plates.
Outdoor enthusiasts have several activities available to them, too, including fishing, swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, biking, and the nearby Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, featuring sporting clays, off-road driving, archery, and falconry.
Additional lodging in the resort community includes cottages and condominiums. Each facility is well suited to host a girls’ golf retreat, complete with kitchen, dining, and living areas, plus multiple bedrooms.
Women golfers looking to improve their games can take advantage of The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, a unique training facility offering state-of-the-art instruction and same-day club fitting. A favorite of both PGA and LPGA Tour pros, The Kingdom utilizes the latest technology and two TaylorMade equipment trailers on-site to provide expert coaching and on-the-spot club building for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
For more information or to book accommodations at Reynolds Lake Oconee, visit online at reynoldslakeoconee.com.