The Masters. The very words spark a series of emotions, especially for the avid golfers of the world. Thousands flock upon the hallowed grounds of Mackenzie’s majestic Augusta National Golf Course to see the manicured fairways and greens, the bright blooms of the famous azaleas and some of the most fine-tuned professional athletes in the world gathered in one location vying for a chance to wear that coveted green jacket.
But the state of mind that The Masters provides doesn’t just exist in Augusta, Ga. Lake Oconee carries a special feel to it this time of year as well. Each year, thousands of golf-minded guests flock to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee as well as the cottages and condos at Reynolds Lake Oconee to enjoy “stay and play” before making their trips into Augusta. Signs reading “Masters Badges Available” line the highway, coffee sales spike at restaurants and gas stations between I-20 and Linger Longer Road and a number of cheers are heard on Reynolds courses in addition to the one 90 miles east of here. But outside of the visitors to Reynolds Lake Oconee, there are a number of members in the community that have their own special way of enjoying “A Tradition Unlike any other."
Two of those community members are Lee McGee, and wife, Alicia. Originally from the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland, the McGees are now looking at their fourth anniversary as Reynolds Lake Oconee residents. “The great golf, lake, outstanding amenities and close proximity to Atlanta and Augusta is what drew us to Reynolds Lake Oconee,” says McGee of their decision to relocate here. “We looked other places, even had a contract on property at a competing development, but came (to Reynolds Lake Oconee) and decided in two days that this was the place.”
Part of that reason (the great golf), has now translated into an annual tradition that not only the McGees enjoy, but their social circle of neighborhood friends and their family members do as well. The annual McGee Masters Barbeque held each Friday of Masters Week draws between 75 to 100 guests, two of which are extra special to the McGees – sons Alex and Mack – who make the week an annual tradition of their own and bring friends from Baltimore to enjoy the weekend. “It’s a week of playing golf, attending the Masters, barbeque and boating,” explains McGee.
Lucky for McGee, and through the effort of good friends, he’s had the opportunity to attend the Masters all four years since moving here full time. Each year, walking the grounds and enjoying the competition and the fruits of labor by the meticulous grounds crew of Augusta National. And since his very first tournament in 1997 (Tiger’s first win), he always enjoys making the trip back – especially to the par three 16 – which just so happens to be something special for Tiger as well.
Another couple that looks forward to Masters Week here at Reynolds Lake Oconee is Greg and Sue Colson. The former Marietta residents held their second home here at Reynolds Lake Oconee for seven years before making it their permanent home in 2011. The golf and terrific friendships were too much of a draw to continue the weekend commutes from Atlanta and the Colsons are more than pleased to now call Reynolds “home.”
That home also plays host to special company in April and although they don’t host a big barbeque they do enjoy the intimacy with family who come to stay each year for the tournament. “The family and grandchildren come for most of the week,” says Colson of their tradition. “It’s a great family week playing golf and watching the Masters.”
Fortunately for Colson, he’s had several opportunities to experience the Masters on a more personal basis than what his TV set provides. He even got the chance to play the course in 2004, as proven by the shadow box on his wall that hosts the ball and scorecard from his round at Augusta National.
Playing the course is certainly a rare experience and according to Reynolds Lake Oconee employee, John Sitler, one that you will never forget. “I have had the chance to play Augusta National several times from my previous job as Caddie Trainer with Caddie Master Enterprise at Augusta National,” explained Sitler, who now serves as Assistant Golf Professional at The Plantation course at Reynolds Lake Oconee. “I caddied for several celebrities and professional golfers. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Coincidentally, that position in Augusta (Sitler’s hometown) helped lead him to where he is today. In 2003, while caddying for Bruce Thompson, the general manager of then Port Armor (now The Landing at Reynolds Lake Oconee), Sitler discovered an opportunity to leap into the golf business full time. “He was asking me what we (caddies) did during the closed months at Augusta National,” recalls Sitler. “I told him that we all pick up side jobs until the golf course opens back up in mid October. He asked me if I ever thought about getting in the golf business and I told him ‘yes.’ So after several months of talking with him on the phone I decided to come up and meet him and his staff at Port Armor. I was hired by him in July of 2003 and have been here ever since.”
Sitler still makes the trips each year to his old stomping grounds, adding to his collection of Masters flags dating back to 2005. But the uptick in play on the courses here at Reynolds Lake Oconee takes up the majority of his time, much to the advantage of those looking for some great golf shop banter en route to their tee times.
Yes, the Masters truly is “a tradition unlike any other.” But its reflections on a community 90 miles west are pretty special as well. And just like the many other traditions celebrated here, it’s another reminder of just how wonderful the moments shared at Reynolds Lake Oconee really are.
