BUFORD, Ga. – Opening Spring 2026, Lanier Islands Resort will debut a multi-phase golf investment that includes Georgia’s only night-lit Par 3 course, a fully renovated and expanded clubhouse, and updated branding that will position Legacy Golf Course and the Resort on par with some of the country’s most celebrated golf destinations. From team building for company retreats to golf getaways for groups of friends, Legacy Golf Course is ideally set at the heart of a resort that offers overnight accommodations, dining options, and a wealth of activities within a picturesque setting.
Since opening in 2009, the Billy Fuller-designed Legacy Golf Course has received rave reviews and built a loyal following among golfers across the Southeast, with 14 holes offering awe-inspiring views of Lake Lanier. Deemed the “Pebble Beach of the South,” by Links Magazine, the course has earned numerous accolades over the years, including recognitions as one of the 10 Best Lakeside Golf Courses in America by Men’s Journal, Best Round of Golf in Atlanta by The Atlantan magazine, and – most recently – a coveted #3 spot on GolfPass‘s 2025 list of Top 25 Public Courses in Georgia.
“We’re incredibly proud of the golf tradition here at Lanier Islands Resort,” said Matthew Bowling, President of the lakeside destination. “Our connection to the game runs deep. The Resort was once home to an early course design by golf legend Gary Player, one of only four golfers in history to complete the career Grand Slam. Our history also includes a premier LPGA tournament that featured the top 12 female players in the world. With this investment, we’re honoring that legacy while also creating new experiences that will make the game more accessible, social, and fun for every guest.”
Bowling shared that the redesigned clubhouse will be dedicated to the memory of Lanier Islands Resort CEO Mike Williams, honoring his leadership and passion for the game. Designed by renowned golf architect Jim Chapman, whose portfolio includes Peachtree Golf Club, Atlanta Athletic Club, and Capital City Club, the new space will feature expanded dining, a 19th-hole bar and lounge, an upgraded pro shop, outdoor gathering spaces, and flexible event areas. Complementing the clubhouse is “The Six,” a first-of-its-kind, six-hole night-lit par-3 course – offering incomparable water views.
To complete the transformation, Lanier Islands Resort has partnered with noted golf brand designer Seth McWhorter, known for his work with Sweetens Cove and Pinehurst, to refresh the Legacy Golf Course brand and develop a new identity for “The Six.”
Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. For more information about the Georgia lakeside destination, visit www.LanierIslands.com.
