Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee

Cuscowilla's Perfect Holiday Gift!

2011-12-02T20:24:00.003-05:00

CUSCOWILLA AND LYNN BLAKE GOLF CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR WAYNE WATTS

PRESENT

THE CUSCOWILLA WINTER SHORT GAME DEVELOPMENT SERIES

ONE THING EVERY GOLFER CAN LEARN TO DO BETTER, REGARDLESS OF SKILL LEVEL, IS CHIPPING AND PUTTING.

WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR THE SHORT GAME DEVELOPMENT SERIES

YOU WILL LEARN:

PROPER MECHANICS
A PRE-SHOT ROUTINE
A PRACTICE ROUTINE
TARGET CONCIOUS PRACTICE
MECHANICS CONCIOUS PRACTICE
PROPER PRACTICE DRILLS

WE WILL GO THROUGH A SHORT GAME EVALUATION PROCESS WITH EACH LESSON TO MONITOR IMPROVEMENT. EACH STUDENT WILL RECEIVE A BOOKLET TO REFERENCE EACH LESSON AND ALSO TRACK PRACTICE PERFORMANCE ALONG WITH PLAYING PERFORMANCE.

LESSONS ARE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 12 PEOPLE TO SIGN UP.

THE LESSON SERIES CONSISTS OF 4 LESSONS PER MONTH FOR THE MONTHS OF JANUARY-MARCH AND WILL COSISTS OF SAND, CHIPPING AND PUTTING LESSONS.

THE COST IS A GREAT DEAL AT $300 PER PERSON FOR ALL 12 LESSONS.

CUSCOWILLA NOW HAS THE TOMI COMPUTERIZED PUTTING SOFTWARE THAT ANALYZES THE PATH, FACE AND LIE ANGLES OF YOUR PUTTER. THE COMPUTERIZED ANALYSIS IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE SERIES.VISIT http://www.tomi.com/ FOR MORE INFO.

TO SIGN UP BY EMAIL watts@cuscowilla.com
TO SIGN UP BY PHONE CALL WAYNE @ 803-319-2449

Cuscowilla Member Greg Sample Wins Els for Autism Grand Finale Charity Tournament!

2011-10-25T17:17:00.002-04:00

"As crazy luck would have it, both Wheeler and I got to celebrate our anniversaries with our beautiful wives this weekend in Vegas, and we played well enough today to win the Els for Autism Grand Finale Charity tournament. We got to play with Erine Els in the shootout as our pro partner against Dustin Johnson, Dean Wilson, Rich Beam, and Bob May with the top 5 amateur teams. We won! How crazy."

- Greg Sample

Swing Changes

2011-09-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

Anytime an amateur makes a swing change they tend to miss-hit shots. Then they discard what they are trying to change or what a teacher has been working on with them. What golfers need to remember is that anytime you make a swing change, it changes the timing and synchronicity of the golf swing. This takes time to get it back and it only comes back with practice.

Putt on Track

2011-09-21T11:02:00.000-04:00

If you are missing short putts, place two clubs parallel to each other on the practice green about a foot from the hole. They should form a track slightly wider than your putterhead. The clubs will give you a reference point for squaring up your body with the hole. You also get instant feedback if your putter is getting off line.

Journey Magazine

2011-09-10T20:29:00.000-04:00

http://issuu.com/cuscowilla/docs/the_journey_-_september_2011

Click on this link to view Cuscowilla's September issue of The Journey!

Vary Your Targets

2011-07-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

To get a good at pitching, practice to a different target on every swing. If you keep practicing to the same target, then all you are doing is getting good at one shot. Instead change distances with every shot you hit and keep track of the yardages you’re hitting the shots to that way the distance is stored in your memory.

The Journey - July 2011

2011-07-08T21:02:00.001-04:00

Click on this link to view Cuscowilla's July 2001 edition of The Journey

http://issuu.com/cuscowilla/docs/july_2011_journey

Cuscowilla Golf Course Update from Course Superintendent Sam Murphy

2011-06-03T21:32:00.001-04:00

Update From Sam Murphy – Golf Course Superintendent
6 / 2 / 11

With the first day of summer a little more than two weeks away now, we just wanted to give everyone another brief update on the status of the golf course conditions, projects, and task we have been doing.

The greens have been coming along well, in spite of the early 90 & 100 degree heat we have been experiencing. The new greens have held up tremendously throughout the first round of high temperatures, realizing that it isn’t the day time highs that are critical, rather the night time lows. Hopefully the heat‘s duration won’t be as long as last year. There is some deeper rooting now and some pretty good turf cover on top. This is very encouraging at this time of the year. The organic layer on our greens is still beyond the 1/4'” depth that is recommended in maintaining a healthier turf grass, therefore, additional aerification applications will be needed in the summer and fall seasons after the Member guest. This will help to alleviate some of the organic layer, and promote denser, deeper roots. We will be core aerifying with 5/8” core tines sometime late summer or early fall. Also with the hot weather you will notice the presence of the hand syringe teams on the greens throughout the day. Please, Please, Please, yield to these people and allow them the opportunity to perform their duties before you hit to the greens. This is an extremely time sensitive and important task that has to be done to help keep the grass cool in the extreme heat of the summer. We have started to run the fans on some of the greens and will be in the process of moving and adding some additional fans in the next few weeks. We will mount the new fans on dedicated trailers that will allow us more flexibility with placement and also the added ability to remove fans in the months when there not needed.
As most of you have noticed the collars have made tremendous progress on filling back in. Some of weaker collars have been re-grassed with new sod off the driving range. The collars in full sun (3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 15) are doing much better and will not have to be sodded. With a second light aerification and fertilization around the collars, these areas are expected to be back to normal shortly. Also, there are several areas we will begin to sod this upcoming week; around the pedestrian bridge on 18, the approach around the putting green and behind 12 green, and various other bare areas and rough spots on the golf course.
The tees and fairways are still struggling to fill in and green up completely. While the weather has been conducive for the Bermuda grass growth, the lack of rain in the month of May has hampered turf growth. May has only produced .5” of precipitation. They are still a little off color so we have recently fertilized them and are hoping for some much needed rain fall. We hope to be out in the next few weeks knocking out some more weed spraying around the tee complexes. The weeds that we saw early in the year have been sprayed on the entire course and a repeat spot application was necessary to control the remaining weeds throughout the course and driving range. Because it has been a great spring for prolonged weed germination and growth. We will be aggressively spraying weeds with post emerge controls along with our additional pre-emerge applications of herbicide through the rest of this season and into the next.

We have been and will continue to go through the bunkers and look to loosen up any hard pan conditions that persist. We are on a regular program now of grooming and rock picking. We will add sand were we determined it is needed. We have also added some new tools to help in controlling the weeds on the floors of the bunkers. We will be trying to add staff to help with the increased frequency of maintenance.

We are finishing up on an evaluation of all projects and special needs for the golf course. We will be communicating our findings and recommendations to you in future updates. This will include plans and schedules.

Thank you for your time and interest. We hope you are enjoying the golf course, and if not, please let us know what we might do to make your experience more enjoyable. If you have not been out, we hope you all will please come out and enjoy the golf course soon! And while using the course remember to repair all ball marks.

Thanks again, Sam Murphy

Chipping With Spin

2011-03-24T09:49:00.000-04:00

The most controlled chip is the check and release. You play it with a gap or sand wedge, and it gets its name because the ball comes out low with maximum spin, checking up on the first few bounces and rolling to the hole. The keys in the set-up are making a firm strike. Start with more weight on your left foot and the shaft leaning slightly toward the target. Keep your wrists firm through the strike to trap the ball and impart backspin.

Congratulations to Team Cuscowilla who won the Kiawah Island 12th Annual National Pro-Am Gross Division!

2011-03-21T12:44:00.002-04:00

Team members Leighton Nichols, Jim Cook, Bill Mellow and Wayne Watts successfully represented Cuscowilla, taking the gross division by four strokes. Cuscowilla Professional, Wayne Watts also won the Low Pro Individual Division by 8 strokes.

The Tournament took place over four windy days at Kiawah Island Golf Resort off the coast of South Carolina. The team spent March 14 – 17, 2011 conquering four of Kiawah’s courses; Osprey Point, Cougar Point, Turtle Point and The Ocean Course which will host the 2012 PGA Championship and has been named “America’s Toughest Resort Course” by Golf Digest.

Congratulations to the team! Thank you all for representing Cuscowilla so triumphantly!

All Results from the Tournament are listed below:

12th Annual KIGR National Pro-Am
March 13 – 17, 2011

Individual Professional
1 GC of Cuscowilla Wayne WATTS - $1125.00 69-75-73-75--292 +4
2 River Club Tom COOPER - $885.00 69-76-78-77--300 +12
Whitford CC Michael LADDEN - $885.00 69-75-74-82--300 +12
4 Edgewood CC Pete MICKLEWRIGHT -$700.00
69-74-79-79--301 +13
5 Monongahela Valley CC Stephen KUSENKO - $590.00 76-75-78-81--310 +22
6 Weekapaug GC Susan BOND - $485.00 75-81-77-78--311 +23
7 Club Car #1 Dan WASHLESKI - $375.00 74-76-85-82--317 +29
8 Ferncroft CC #2 Tom ELLIS - $325.00 81-78-79-81--319 +31
9 Ferncroft CC #1 Kevin WOOD 73-82-82-88--325 +37
CC of the North #1 Jack PAWELKOSKI 82-76-83-84--325 +37
11 CC of the North #2 Rick LYONS 80-78-85-91--334 +46
12 Sea Oaks GC Tim MCARTHUR 86-78-85-87--336 +48
Honeybrook GC Ryan GRAY 83-82-86-85--336 +48
14 Bears Best-Atlanta #2 Chett LONG 78-86-85-89--338 +50
Bears Best-Atlanta #1 Jacob SCHOEMAN 74-82-80-102--338 +50
16 GolfTec Dublin Bradley PHILLIPS 77-84-92-88--341 +53
17 Club Car #2 Bill REHANEK 82-98-83-85--348 +60
18 Franklin CC Paul BALLARD 81-NC-90-39
Club Car #3 Bob SWEZEY NC-NC-NC-NC
Inn at Pocano Manor Harold VAN BUSKIRK JR. 83-80-NC-NC
Green Oaks CC Ed HABJAN 80-78-NC-NC
Franklin CC 1899 Anthony MAKI NC-NC-NC-NC

12th Annual KIGR National Pro-Am
March 13 – 17, 2011
Team Gross
1 GC of Cuscowilla Wayne Watts, Leighton Nichols, Bill Mello, Jim Cook - $538.75 each 63-65-68-66--262 -26
2 Franklin CC 1899 Anthony Maki, Ryan Johnston, Andrew Douglas, Brian Higgins -$443.75 each 66-67-65-68--266 -22
3 Club Car #3 Bob Swezey, Chris Gunnels, Chris Sanders, Mike Young - $347.50 each 67-66-71-70--274 -14
4 Club Car #2 Bill Rehanek, Tom Marble, Trey Holroyd, Peter Hill - $252.50 each 70-67-69-69--275 -13
5 Whitford CC Michael Ladden, Joe Glancy, John Webb, Vic Rainsford 63-68-70-76--277 -11
Bears Best-Atlanta #1 Jacob Schoeman, Randy Smith, Patrick Benson, Jim Vecchiarelli 66-68-68-75--277 -11
7 Club Car #1 Dan Washleski, Alex Elmore, Ryan McClellan, Fred Palmer 66-66-75-72--279 -9
Edgewood CC Pete Micklewright, George Kappakas, Tom Kosak, Don Smith 61-72-73-73--279 -9
9 River Club Tom Cooper, John Bonanno, Jared Tatham, Todd Cox 68-73-72-71--284 -4
10 Franklin CC Paul Ballard, Dan Johnston, Jim Rodman, Bill Roache 68-69-78-72--287 -1
Ferncroft CC #1 Kevin Wood, Ross Kolhonen, Jeff Ferry, Ed Harrison 67-74-74-72--287 -1
12 Sea Oaks GC Tim McArthur, Bob Pike, Steve Guarino, Tom Guarino 69-67-76-77--289 +1
13 Weekapaug GC Susan Bond, Melinda Frith, Robert Thavenius, Peter Hahn 71-74-72-74--291 +3
14 Bears Best - Atlanta #2 Chett Long, Ed Shriner, Doug Breusch, Van Hoots 70-71-72-79--292 +4
15 Monongahela Valley CC Stephen Kusenko, Alan Velikey, Jack Filak, Wilson Bowden 72-72-76-77--297 +9
Honeybrook GC Ryan Gray, Warren Reyburn, Pete Palmer, Mike Book 72-73-78-74--297 +9
GolfTec Dublin Bradley Phillips, Keith Phillips, Shawn Mathis, Duane Mast 73-71-75-78--297 +9
18 Ferncroft CC #2 Tom Ellis, Robert Hicks Jr, Robert Markarian, Bruce Daniel 74-74-76-74--298 +10
19 CC of the North #1 Jack Pawelkoski, Todd Lemaster, Rowland Lemaster, Mike Lemaster 76-76-76-74--302 +14
20 CC of the North #2 Rick Lyons, Jeff Cooper, Gregg Harlow, Charlie Cooper 73-70-81-79--303 +15
21 Inn at Pocano Manor Harold Van Buskirk Jr., Yuan Hong Zhang, Gene Van Horn, Patrick Mullen 74-76-81-78--309 +21
22 Green Oaks CC Ed Habjan, Doug Cargnel, Harold Balk, Marc Olin 73-72-71-NC

12th Annual KIGR National Pro-Am
March 13 – 17, 2011
Team Net
1 Whitford CC Michael Ladden, Joe Glancy, John Webb, Vic Rainsford - $538.75 each 58-62-64-68--252 -36
GC of Cuscowilla Wayne Watts, Leighton Nichols, Bill Mello, Jim Cook 61-61-66-65--253 -35
2 Monongahela Valley CC Stephen Kusenko, Alan Velikey, Jack Filak, Wilson Bowden - $443.75 each 63-66-67-66--262 -26
Franklin CC 1899 Anthony Maki, Ryan Johnston, Andrew Douglas, Brian Higgins 65-66-64-67--262 -26
3 Bears Best - Atlanta #1 Jacob Schoeman, Randy Smith, Patrick Benson, Jim Vecchiarelli - $347.50 each 65-64-64-70--263 -25
4 Franklin CC Paul Ballard, Dan Johnston, Jim Rodman, Bill Roache - $84.17 each 61-62-73-68--264 -24
Sea Oaks GC Tim McArthur, Bob Pike, Steve Guarino, Tom Guarino - $84.17 each 64-62-69-69--264 -24
Edgewood CC Pete Micklewright, George Kappakas, Tom Kosak, Don Smith - $84.17 each 57-68-70-69--264 -24
7 Club Car #2 Bill Rehanek, Tom Marble, Trey Holroyd, Peter Hill 69-64-66-66--265 -23
Club Car #1 Dan Washleski, Alex Elmore, Ryan McClellan, Fred Palmer 62-63-72-68--265 -23
Bears Best - Atlanta #2 Chett Long, Ed Shriner, Doug Breusch, Van Hoots 62-67-65-71--265 -23
10 Club Car #3 Bob Swezey, Chris Gunnels, Chris Sanders, Mike Young 66-63-69-68--266 -22
Ferncroft CC #1 Kevin Wood, Ross Kolhonen, Jeff Ferry, Ed Harrison 65-68-68-65--266 -22
12 River Club Tom Cooper, John Bonanno, Jared Tatham, Todd Cox 64-67-69-67--267 -21
13 CC of the North #1 Jack Pawelkoski, Todd Lemaster, Rowland Lemaster, Mike Lemaster 70-71-65-64--270 -18
14 GolfTec Dublin Bradley Phillips, Keith Phillips, Shawn Mathis, Duane Mast 67-66-69-69--271 -17
15 Weekapaug GC Susan Bond, Melinda Frith, Robert Thavenius, Peter Hahn 65-72-70-68--275 -13
Inn at Pocano Manor Harold Van Buskirk Jr., Yuan Hong Zhang, Gene Van Horn, Patrick Mullen 63-68-72-72--275 -13
17 Ferncroft CC #2 Tom Ellis, Robert Hicks Jr, Robert Markarian, Bruce Daniel 68-68-70-70--276 -12
18 CC of the North #2 Rick Lyons, Jeff Cooper, Gregg Harlow, Charlie Cooper 67-63-72-75--277 -11
19 Honeybrook GC Ryan Gray, Warren Reyburn, Pete Palmer, Mike Book 68-68-72-70--278 -10
20 Green Oaks CC Ed Habjan, Doug Cargnel, Harold Balk, Marc Olin 69-68-67-NC

Spin it From the Sand

2011-03-16T14:49:00.000-04:00

To spin it from the sand try gripping the club with both thumbs down the shaft, making the grip weaker. This will guarantee the clubface stays pointing upward through impact so it can slide under the ball and create spin.

Set Up Perfect Contact

2011-03-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

In order to hit crisp, solid iron shots, try presetting your hands slightly forward of the ball at address. This will encourage you to hit down on the ball as your hands lead the clubhead through impact, allowing the loft of the club to do the work.

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-02-23T15:46:00.000-05:00

When To Bag the Driver

Moving down to a 3-wood from a driver on a tight driving hole is common sense, but its not an automatic. You have to consider the length. If hitting a 3-wood leaves you more than a 6-iron, then its you should take the risk and hit a driver. Even if you hit it in the rough you will be closer to the hole.

Golf Tip of the Week!

2011-02-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Finish

Golfers tend to overlook the finish as a way of checking their golfswings. It can tell a lot about what happened, especially on tee shots. Look for these keys: Your right shoulder should be closer to your target than your left shoulder. This shows you kept rotating. Almost all of your weight should be on your front foot. The shaft should be angled diagonally across the back of your head and neck, not hanging down your back or sticking up. You should always be able to hold your finish.

Valentine's Day at Cuscowilla

2011-02-09T15:07:00.003-05:00

There's a lot going on at Cuscowilla for Valentine's Day!

The Waterside Restaurant
The Waterside Restaurant will be open for four nights to celebrate Valentine's Day! Join us Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14 starting at 5 p.m. Call 706-484-2044 to make your reservations!

In addition to our regular dinner menu, we'll be offering Valentine's Specials. Try our:

Rose Roasted Duck Breast with Sour Cherry Sauce served with Wild Rice Risotto
Roasted Rack of New Zealand Lamb with Mint Plum Sauce served with Pecan Barley
Tea Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Fig Sauce served with Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Rib Eye with Roasted Shallot Demi served with Fingerling Potatoes
Sherry & Saffron Poached Sea Bass served with Black Truffle Orzo

Overnight Packages
If you are looking to extend your Valentine's celebration, stay overnight and take advantage of our Romance Package.

Romance The Night Away
Celebrate with your special someone at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. Package includes overnight accommodations in a Lodge Villa Suite or Lake Villa Suite, a bottle of champagne and six chocolate covered strawberries placed into your room prior to arrival. For reservations please call 706-484-0050 or visit www.cuscowilla.com.
Sunday - Thursday $245 plus applicable taxes
Friday - Saturday $270 plus applicable taxes

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-02-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

Don’t Keep Your Head Still

One common myth you hear around the golf course is to keep your head still. What everyone should be saying is keep your eyes on the ball. In a golf swing the head is going to move a little. The more you try to keep it still and down the more rigid and stiff the golf swing becomes. Instead just think, keep your eyes on the ball.

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-02-02T12:03:00.002-05:00

Posture Check!

Recreational golfers who constantly struggle to fix their swing problems would do well to fix their posture first. Rounding the back, flexing the knees too much and tucking the head down to see the ball are common setup faults that can lead to a poor swing. If your posture isn’t right, you’ll be forced to swing with mostly your arms and hands, creating very little shoulder turn.

If this sounds like you, here’s a drill you can try within the confines of your own home. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and bend from your hip socket so that your upper body tilts forward approximately 45 degrees. Notice that your head is in line with your spine and isn’t tucked downward. Next, release your knees slightly. A problem most golfers have is too much knee flex and not enough bend from the hips. Finally, let gravity drop your arms and club to the ground (they’ll naturally hang straight down if you’ve achieved the correct posture). This improved position will enable you to make a more complete shoulder turn without a lot of arm and hand action.

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-01-26T11:17:00.000-05:00

How To Escape The Sand In One Try

You might not realize how much you can get away with on a bunker shot. Play the ball forward in your stance, open the face of your 56-degree wedge and hit anywhere between an inch and three inches behind the ball. You don't have to be overly precise. Just as long as you make an aggressive swing down into the sand and finish the shot with the club up and over your left shoulder, the ball will come out of there. So be aggressive with your swing and thump the sand.

We're a WeddingWire Bride's Choice Award Winner for 2011!

2011-01-25T13:12:00.000-05:00

WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards 2011

Eatonton, GA – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Reception Venues!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is among the very best Reception Venues within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-01-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

How to Play Faster

Be ready to hit when it's your turn . . . cut down on pointless practice swings . . . let faster groups behind you play through . . . keep up with the group in front . . . quick! . . . if you've whacked it eight times and the green is still a distant mirage, pick the ball up . . . leave your bag in an expeditious place beside the green . . . faster! . . . no plumb-bobbing or reading putts from four sides—just hit it . . . clear the green as soon as you're done . . . don't dawdle! No need to overdo the speed thing, but really, we don't have all day. This is your chance to move, breathe, get some exercise, be alive. Save the savoring for the food, wine and conversation afterward.

Plan Your Valentine's Day Getaway at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee!

2011-01-18T16:15:00.001-05:00

Join us for Dinner...
The Waterside Restaurant will be serving dinner on Friday, February 11, Saturday, February 12, Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14. A special Valentine's Day menu will be offered. Please call 706-484-2044 to make your reservation today!

...Or take advantage of our Romance Package!
Celebrate with your special someone at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. The Romance Package includes overnight accommodations in a Lodge Villa Suite or Lake Villa Suite, a bottle of champagne and six chocolate covered strawberries placed into your room prior to arrival.

Sunday - Thursday $245 plus applicable taxes
Friday - Saturday $270 plus applicable taxes

Visit our website at www.cuscowilla.com or call 706-484-0050 for more information.

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-01-12T12:21:00.001-05:00

How to Hit a Really Tight Fairway

You'll be straighter with the shorter clubs in your bag, so a 3- or 5-wood is a safer choice than a driver. But if you absolutely have to get driver distance, start by teeing the ball lower, as the No. 1 player in the world is doing. Hit it with your normal swing, too, not a steep punch swing. You'll get a lower trajectory and more roll—almost like topspin—instead of the sidespin and curve you might get on a higher shot.

Masters Week at Cuscowilla

2011-01-11T12:11:00.002-05:00

After enjoying a day of golf at the 2011 Masters Tournament, return to Cuscowilla Golf Resort on Lake Oconee. Enjoy our award winning Bill Coore / Ben Crenshaw designed golf course, our Golf House Grill and Waterside Restaurant and our overnight accommodations.

We can customize packages to include:

Luxurious overnight accommodations with stunning lake or golf views
Rounds of golf on our award winning 18 hole golf course
Private dining options, group cookouts or lakeside dinning are all available
Transportation by car, motor coach or helicopter can be arranged
Spa options

Other services available:

Boat rentals on Lake Oconee
Golf lessons
Guided bass fishing trips on Lake Oconee
Daily transportation service to and from Augusta National
Dinner reservations each night

Contact Craig Smith at 706-923-2491 or csmith@cuscowilla.com for pricing and packages. For additional information, please view our website at www.cuscowilla.com.

Golf Tip of the Week

2011-01-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

Grip Weak For Strong Lobs

Few shots on the golf course are more satisfying than a well-executed flop shot. Unfortunately, unless you’re Phil Mickelson, the risk is probably not worth the reward. There’s very little margin for error. With the wrong lie, you can swing the club under the ball without advancing it. And, with such a big swing, you’re liable to hit an 80-yard screamer if you catch it thin.

Here’s an alternative technique to try the next time you need a wedge shot to fly high and land softly. Weaken your left-hand grip (for right-handers), turning your hand under the club so that your left palm faces more toward the sky. With your left hand in this weakened position, the clubface will remain open through the hitting zone and your shot will be shorter and fly higher than normal and land like a butterfly with sore feet.

Experiment with this shot on the range. You’ll quickly learn that the more you turn your left hand under the club, the higher and softer (and shorter) the resulting shot will be. This is a versatile technique that you can use on greenside chips as well as full wedges from the fairway or light rough. It’s especially effective for softening slippery downhill chips or on touchy pitch shots where you have little green to work with.

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee re-opens award winning course

2010-12-27T12:34:00.000-05:00

It is a great pleasure, and with a huge amount of relief, that we can announce today that after 5 months of closure our golf course will now be re-opening for regular play 6 days a week (Tuesday through Sunday) starting tomorrow, Tuesday December 28th. Please contact our Pro Shop at 706-485-0094 for more information or tee times.

Cuscowilla Gift Ideas!

2010-12-16T10:49:00.006-05:00

Looking for a few great ideas for gifts this holiday season?

Check out these great gifts we have below in our Cuscowilla Golf Shop!

For more information on these gifts, stop by our Cuscowilla Golf Shop or call 706-485-0094.

#1 - Cuscowilla Sweatshirt

#2 - Custom Titleist Pro V-1 or Pro V1X golf balls

Custom imprint initials, names or a special event on a dozen golf balls!

#3 - Hand Painted Ornament

# 4 - Tervis Tumblers

We have these available 16 ounce (set of four), 12 ounce (set of four)

and 24 ounce (sold individually).

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-12-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

Better Chipping

Chipping and putting are two areas of the game where everyone can improve. Improve your chipping and putting, and you’ll significantly reduce your handicap. The touring pros spend more time practicing their short games than all of their other shots combined. How many weekend golfers can say the same? The most important aspect of chipping is to make sure that your lead wrist doesn’t break down during the chipping motion. The moment your wrist breaks down, two things happen: The loft of the club changes, which alters the trajectory and the roll (inconsistent distances will result); and your arm also breaks down, which can result in bladed shots that go screaming across the green.To ensure that neither of these things happen, work on keeping your arm straight and your wrist firm during the shot. If you’re having difficulties, place a rubber band around your lead wrist and slide the butt end of the club under it, holding the club close to your wrist. This will give you the correct feel when chipping the ball.

Golf Course Update

2010-12-15T10:34:00.003-05:00

Dear Cuscowilla Friends,

Just wanted to give everyone a little update on our Golf Operations. Starting this weekend, we will be opening every Friday - Saturday - Sunday (excluding Christmas Day). The golf course will be closed on Monday, and temporary greens Tuesday through Thursday. We will reassess this at the beginning of the year, when our new Golf Course Superintendent is here full-time.

The Golf Shop Christmas Sale will continue to run through the end of the year. There is still a nice selection of winter merchandise in the shop so stop by and let us help you finish up those last minute gifts. All apparel 25% - 60%!

For more information, please call the Cuscowilla Golf Shop at 706-485-0094.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-12-08T17:14:00.002-05:00

Don’t Fear The Result

The greatest interference on swinging freely is the result of an unwanted shot. Be willing to accept the result a shot might produce, and feeling you can handle whatever the future holds, removes the interference that comes with fear.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-12-01T17:10:00.000-05:00

Mental Thoughts

The one important mental thought that most amateurs lack is the focus on the target. The mind works best when your aiming points are very small and specific. The only thing you should think about when setting up to hit a shot and before you take the club back is the target you are aiming at. It will help you eliminate any negative thoughts before the swing is initiated.

Golf Course Update

2010-11-30T16:14:00.001-05:00

Cuscowilla Friends,

Just a few lines to update you on the greens progress and the status for play here at Cuscowilla, We still continue to see growth on the greens, and applied further granular fertilizers yesterday before the rain came in to encourage that growth. The greens are brushed and then are being kept cut at a height of .140 as we witness further horizontal spreading of the turf. We are not yet mature enough on the greens to reopen on a regular basis, although the golf course continues to be open to golfers hitting to temporary greens each day except Monday.

We do have this Saturday, December 4th the CMGA Players Championship event taking place and will be opening our greens for that event. There are some additional tee times available that members and resort guests not participating in this event can reserve and we encourage you to contact Jarrod Clark in the Pro Shop if you would like to take one of those available tee times for this weekend. We will once again reassess the greens after the weekend’s play before deciding when we will next be able to allow play on the greens.

Thank you very much for your continued support of Cuscowilla – don’t forget our Waterside Restaurant is now open Sunday thru Thursday inclusive for dinner, with the Golf House also being available for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-11-24T10:36:00.001-05:00

Know Your Average Distance

When you ask a golfer how far he hits an 8-iron, they will most likely tell you how far they can hit it on a perfect shot. Most amateurs tend to think if the yardage for a club is what it is when they flush the shot. In actuality they might only hit the shot solid 2 in every 10 shots. In order to have proper distance control you need to know what your clubs average distance is. That’s why you see most amateurs coming up short.

Golf Tips Provided by Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-11-17T11:12:00.001-05:00

Pitch Shot Ball Placement

On a pitch shot, the average golfer’s tendency is to play the ball back in the stance. On every shot you move forward, toward the target, during the downswing. Its less on a pitch shot than on, say, a drive, but it still happens. When you move forward and the ball position is back, you have to chop down on top of the ball to hit it. Move the ball up in your stance so you can shift into it for solid contact.

Golf Tips Provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-11-10T16:54:00.001-05:00

Fairway Wood Setup

Solid Contact with fairway woods comes from playing the ball forward in your stance and tilting your spine away from the target at address. Your right shoulder should be slightly lower than your left. If your shoulders are too level it can make your angle of approach to steep, leading to either fat or thin shots. Tilting your spine back and playing the ball forward helps you shallow your approach into the ball for solid strikes.

Golf Tips Provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Course Update

2010-11-03T17:13:00.001-04:00

Now that November has rolled around, everyone at Cuscowilla is anxious to know when we will be reopening the golf course. We have seen significant growth the last few weeks as the weather has at last cooperated with our goals. This grass is the deepest green color when cut and we are excited at the coverage that we are now seeing. The height of the cut will now be dropped to encourage stronger lateral growth and heavy topdressing will continue. We want to hold off on reopening the course until the thin areas are filled, and the quality of the growth can handle the traffic, but we are seeing daily improvements in this continued weather pattern which brings us confidence that we will be able to reopen sometime before Thanksgiving. The dip below freezing that we will experience this coming weekend will not stop the growth of this bentgrass, so we will continue to see filling in of the thinner areas of grass over the next two weeks.

Thank you for your continued patience and support during this process.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-11-03T15:29:00.001-04:00

Perfect Practice

When practicing to many players just hit balls without working on alignment. The practice range is a wide open area with no trouble around. You should always have a target picked out and you should always use alignment aids. There is not a tour pro in the world that does not practice without working on alignment. It’s an important part of practice that players don’t think about.

Golf Tips Provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Fall Weddings at Cuscowilla

2010-10-28T11:07:00.005-04:00

Check out one of our recent Fall Weddings at Cuscowilla!

Pictures are by Eric Little Photography (http://www.ericlittlephotography.com/)

New Food & Beverage Hours!

2010-10-27T15:56:00.002-04:00

THE WATERSIDE RESTAURANT

The Waterside Restaurant is now serving dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. We are also open for lunch on Monday starting at 11:00 a.m. We are featuring a casual dinner menu, offering Pizza, Fish-n-Chips, New York Strip and more. Chef’s Chalkboard Specials are featured nightly, along with special nights of the week. See the special nights below!

Sunday – Pizza Night
Each week, our Chefs will create a special pizza of the night, such as a steak and portabella pizza. Stop by each week to see our latest pizza creation!

Monday – Wings & Skins
Enjoy Monday Night Football along with Wings & Skins! Try our wings in an assortment of sauces, including Classic Buffalo, BBQ, Asian Sweet Chili or Lemon Black Pepper, along with our Potato Skins.

Tuesday – Rajun Cajun
A selection of Cajun specialties will be offered each week, including items such as Gumbo, Fried Oysters, Jambalaya, Andouille with Red Beans & Rice, Shrimp Etouffe or Blacked Snapper.

Wednesday – Prime Rib Night
Slow Roasted Prime Rib with a choice of Baked Potato or our White Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes

Thursday – La Mia Pasta
Create your favorite pasta! Choose from a selection of noodles, sauces, vegetables, meats and more to create your favorite dish.

THE GOLF HOUSE GRILL

The Golf House Grill is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Breakfast and Lunch. We are open on Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. On Sundays, join us for Breakfast and Lunch from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. La Mia Pasta will be hosted on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., along with Taste of the South on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information, please call 706-484-0050.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-10-27T12:18:00.001-04:00

Putting Speed Control

In order to gain a good feel for the speed of the greens it is best to practice long putts on the putting green to many players want to practice 15 ft and in. When you need to get your feel of the speed down you should practice from 50 ft and work your way closer to the hole.

Golf Tips Provided by Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting to Know...

2010-10-21T09:17:00.004-04:00

Susan Hurst, Human Resource and On-Site Security Supervisor

What is your position here? I am the Human Resource and On-Site Security Supervisor.

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I've been here for 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love the natural habitat and the animals.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy interacting with people.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I play with my grandson and fish!

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We are currently researching the Health Care Reform and editing the Employee Handbook.

Where are you from? I'm originally from Hershey, PA.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I've been in Georgia for 45 years.

Do you play golf? Heavens no!

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-10-20T10:57:00.001-04:00

4 Inches In Front

An important part of golf is the divot. In a properly executed golf swing the low point of the arc is actually 4 inches in front of the ball. A tour player’s deepest part of their divot is 4 inches in front of the ball. As the player gets less advanced the deepest part of the divot gets closer to the ball. If you work on getting the low point of your arc 4 inches in front of the ball then your ball striking will improve tremendously.

Golf Tip Provided by Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-10-13T15:29:00.001-04:00

Playing the Angles

When playing the golf course it is best to know what side of the tee box or what shot to hit from a certain side of the course. Play the hole the way it is designed to be played. If you want to hit a draw you should set up on the left side of the tee box and if you wan to hit a fade then you should line up on the right side of the tee box. The opposite is true for left handed golfers. This enables you the most room for error. Proper course management can save you 2 shots per round.

Golf Tips provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Course Update

2010-10-12T10:56:00.000-04:00

At last we have some perfect weather that is helping in our goal to reopen the greens here at Cuscowilla. We have 1/10th of an inch of growth which is very strong, and in fact more than we are looking for. Rusty would like to see us cutting the grass shorter, and encouraging it to spread laterally more, and to that end is preparing to apply a growth retardant to aide in that process. Then he can commence the tightening up process of the greens themselves.

The 2 x a week liquid fertilizer is still ongoing, and a granular fertilizer will be added again this week. Spiking of the greens over the next 2 weeks will also continue. The main difference we have witnessed with this new Bentgrass is the deep green color we are seeing once it is cut, and the hidden benefits of this grass being more heat and disease tolerant will not show itself until the months and years ahead of course.

We do not plan on taking any tee times until the first week in November, as it’s just too early to tell if we will be open later this month – its all weather related now and it’s too early to judge. We are all hopeful this weather trend will continue and the advancement of lateral growth we have witnessed this weekend will continue.

Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-10-06T11:37:00.002-04:00

Go Downhill

Drill: For solid iron shots, you must hit the ball with a descending blow, trapping it against the turf and allowing the clubs loft to send the ball in the air. Here’s a drill, grab a 6 iron and find a downslope. You are going to practice moving the divot in front of the ball. At address, match your shoulders and hips to the slope and hit shots. This encourages your hands and the club to swing down the slope while your lower body shifts forward.

Tip provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting To Know...

2010-10-06T08:59:00.007-04:00

Lamar Kersey, Junior Sous Chef

What is your position here? Junior Sous Chef

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I’ve been at Cuscowilla for 5 ½ years.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? The members – we have the most down to earth, enjoyable people I’ve ever met.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I love the challenges that my job brings and being apart of such a wonderful team.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to play golf!

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We have now reopened at The Waterside Restaurant for Sunday nights and all day on Mondays. Stop by and try the great brick oven pizzas!

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Eatonton.

How long have you lived in Georgia? All of my life with the exception of the time I spent in Charleston, SC going to Johnson & Wales University for my culinary degree.

Do you play golf? As much as I can!

Latest on the Cuscowilla greens

2010-10-01T13:57:00.002-04:00

Another week has passed by since our last update on the greens process. I was asked this week if the heavy rains we had on Sunday and Monday will have affected our progress. We did experience 4 ½” of rain in two days this week along with much cooler temperatures. Rain really helps when it is not followed by intense humidity and +90 degree temperatures. This was therefore an excellent thing for us to get as we were struggling in the September heat to keep the entire surface of each green evenly watered. I’m attaching a picture this week of the bentgrass cuttings collected after just cutting 6 greens – you would not normally see this much mass of grass after cutting the entire golf course greens, so we are seeing a significant growth of the grass vertically. What we need to see is more lateral growth.

Cooler temperatures are ahead for the next 7 days and another light rain day today will help. Can you believe it is going to get down to a low of 48 degrees on Saturday night this week! Thank you all for your continued interest and support of Cuscowilla,

Food & Beverage News!

2010-09-30T12:26:00.004-04:00

The Waterside Restaurant will now be open on Sundays and Mondays! Join us on Sundays for a casual menu featuring handmade pizzas, fish-n-chips and more from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Mondays, we're offering a Continental Breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and then our casual menu from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, please call 706-484-2044.

The Golf House Grill has new hours! The Golf House Grill is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Sundays, the Golf House Grill is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering breakfast and lunch. The Golf House Grill is closed on Mondays. For more information on the Golf House Grill, please call 706-923-0115.

We hope to see you soon at The Waterside Restaurant and the Golf House Grill!

Scout Remembers: "To Kill a Mockingbird"

2010-09-29T19:23:00.004-04:00

Saturday, October 9, 7:30 p.m.

at The Plaza Arts Center

Scout brings "Mockingbird" to life as she narrates the Georgia premiere of the award-winning musical score

Reserved seat tickets are $36, $27 and $15 and are on sale now at www.theplazaartcenter.com

The 50th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill A Mockingbird has the entire USA celebrating its impact on generations of readers and moviegoers. I am thrilled to tell you that that this national celebration will be coming to The Plaza Arts Center in October!

On Saturday, October 9, The Plaza Arts Center will host a live performance of Scout Remembers: “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Memorable scenes from the Oscar-winning filmTo Kill A Mockingbird will be projected on the big screen, interspersed with commentary by Mary Badham who played the beloved character Scout. As the scenes are shown, an orchestra, conducted by music director Gary Gackstatter, will perform Elmer Bernstein's original award-winning musical score. Following this Georgia premiere performance, the audience is invited to a reception to meet Scout.

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is also offering packages for the event. For more information on the packages, please call 706-484-0050.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-09-29T17:01:00.002-04:00

Impact Position

One key thought in the golf swing is to maintain a flat left wrist at impact. This is the most important element of impact. A flat left wrist means a proper release of the club, as a bent left wrist means the club is released to early. To help you do this, learn to swing the hands, not the clubhead.

Golf Tips provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting to Know...

2010-09-24T14:21:00.002-04:00

Andy Craine Landscape Manager

What is your position here? I am the Landscape Manager.

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been at Cuscowilla for 6 years.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love the golf course!

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy improving all of the grounds and houses that surround this wonderful golf course.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? When I'm not at work, I love to hang out with my family.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We are currently working on a couple of small improvement projects for homeowners.

Where are you from? I am from Norcross, Georgia.

Do you play golf? Yes!

Lynn Blake at Cuscowilla

2010-09-23T09:54:00.003-04:00

Check out the video below. It's Lynn Blake's entry into The Golf Channel's Instructor Search contest! (Check out the background as well - it's Cuscowilla!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcprJbJx8JQ&feature=player_embedded

Lynn hosts his golf academy here at Cuscowilla. For more information on Lynn, check out our website at www.cuscowilla.com. Good luck, Lynn!

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-09-22T12:38:00.001-04:00

Chip to a Spot

To be a good chipper you have to be able to hit your landing spot. The good news is that the superintendent is helping you: The mower creates an inner cut line a few feet onto the putting surface that you can practice hitting, both on the chipping green and on the course. If you hit your chip shots solid and land them on that cut line, then what would be the variable? How much the ball rolls out. That comes from picking the right club. Use this system to develop chip shots with different clubs.

Golf Tips provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

News about the greens

2010-09-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

Cuscowilla friends

It’s time for another quick update on the progress of our new bentgrass 007 and Tyee greens here at Cuscowilla.

We have reduced the watering of our greens now to twice a day, one five minute watering, and one 12 minute. The optimum growing temperatures have not arrived yet, as we experienced 97 degree + temperatures this week already. Grass does not want to grow very well in that kind of oppressive heat!

The diurnal temperature variation (range of high and low) is starting to get closer to the optimum range, which is a great help, but the day time 90+ plus temperatures need to drop before we see the significant lateral spreading of the bentgrass we are all waiting for to full in the thin areas, although the greens are continuing to improve.

We are continuing to top-dress, spike and apply high phosphorous levels of fertilizer, which will help sustain growth.

Ask anyone that drives past, or walks up to the greens and they look ready to play, but upon closer inspection we do not have the thickness of grass we need to be thinking of that yet – we intend to get this right and wait until it is safe to play of the greens without moving backwards. We will update you on progress in the weeks ahead, which hopefully, sooner rather than later will bring some cooler days.

Thank you for your continued support and interest of our exciting new greens

Fall Harvest

2010-09-21T15:06:00.002-04:00

Join us this Friday, September 24 at The Waterside Restaurant for a Fall Harvest!

Enjoy our Fall inspired menu items and celebrate the new, cooler season! Start off with our Roasted Corn and Chicken Chowder and then try the new fall flavors with our Grilled Filet Mignon with Herbed Mushrooms or the Smoked Paprika Crusted Scallops. Dinner is $35.00 per person. For more information and reservations, please call 706-484-2044.

Upcoming Events

2010-09-16T09:12:00.003-04:00

La Mia Pasta
Create your own pasta every Thursday with us at the Golf House Grill! From 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., choose your noodle, sauce, vegetables and more to create your own dish. A half order is $8 and a full order is $12. For more information, please call 706-923-0115.

Taste of the South Sundays
Join us every Sunday at the Golf House Grill for your favorite traditional Southern fare foods, ranging from Fried Chicken to Mac-N-Cheese. The price is $12 per person for one meat and two vegetables, and includes a glass of ice tea. Dessert specials are offered weekly, along with house Bloody Marys and Mimosas! Call 706-923-0115 for more information.

Fall Harvest
Join us Friday, September 24 for a Fall Harvest at The Waterside Restaurant. Try our Fall inspired items such as Roasted Corn and Chicken Chowder or the Buttermilk Pie with Berries. Dinner is $35.00 per person. Reservations are available from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Please call 706-484-2044 for more information.

Cheeseburger in Paradise:
Join us on Saturday, September 25 for a Cheeseburger in Paradise! Cheeseburgers, French fried potatoes and more will be offered for dinner, serving from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Waterside Patio. Frozen drinks and full bar will also be available. For more information, call
706-484-2044.

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-09-15T11:02:00.001-04:00

The Perfect Punch

When you have to hit a low punch shot, think, two-two-two. Grip down two inches: this will stiffen the shaft, which promotes lower ball flight. Play the ball back two inches from the center of your stance; this will promote less loft of the clubface at impact. Then open your stance two inches; this will restrict the backswing and put your weight forward, which also lowers the trajectory. Make a normal swing and the set up will produce the desired shot.

Golf tip provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting To Know...

2010-09-14T14:58:00.003-04:00

Wayne Watts 1st Assistant Golf Professional

What is your position here? I am the 1st Assistant Golf Professional.

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been at Cuscowilla for 15 months.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? The membership is my favorite thing about Cuscowilla.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy interacting with the customers and the membership. I enjoy trying to make their experience here as great as it possibly can be.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to golf and fish when I’m not working.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We are reseeding our greens currently.

Where are you from? I am originally from South Carolina.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in Georgia for 15 months.

Do you play golf? As much as I can!

Update on the greens

2010-09-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Cuscowilla friends

I would just like to take a moment of your time to give you an update on the progress of our new bentgrass 007 and Tyee greens here at Cuscowilla.

We have had a tremendous growth week last week. Optimum growing temperatures for this kind of grass are for temperatures to stay between 62 degrees and 86 degrees. While we only experienced that for two days over the last 2 weeks the grass is able to react very positively in this range. Another upside to growth of this grass is when the diurnal temperature variation (range of high and low) reaches 30 to 35 degrees of separation. We experienced this on a few days too over the last week.

We are continuing to top-dress and in the near future will be spiking the greens too. We will be applying fertilizer again this week, but this time it will be one that has the higher levels of phosphorous added, which will provide energy for growth. I will not include pictures this time in mu update to you, as the greens are green!! The bentgrass has started to spread laterally now, which is what we needed to see happen, so the thinner parts of the greens that were washed away in the early August thunderstorms can start to fill out. We are all very excited at the early success rate to date, and will keep you updated as we keeping moving along.

For those of you around the World, and the Nation that get this email from me, and so are not living here locally full time – the weather pattern for this week in Eatonton is Highs of 93 and lows ranging from 60 tonight (very nice change!) to 68 towards the weekend. Looks like we will not be in our optimal ranges this week, but the cooler nights are going to help.

“Did you know?”…. did you know that we had over 30 cup holes to fill on the greens before we could start the upgrade. Normally, cup holes for the flag and cup are taken from one area on the green and used to move around to another area on the same green. With 18 holes of greens, plus practice areas and chipping greens, this left us with 30+ holes to fill! The materials we removed from the surface and first few complex layers of the greens were used to fill these holes!

Thank you for your continued support of Cuscowilla, please keep following us on our blog and face book for further updates.

Getting to Know...

2010-09-09T11:16:00.003-04:00

Jaime Murray Events Manager

What is your position here? Events Manager

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? 3 years

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love driving into Cuscowilla and seeing the gorgeous surroundings, as well as working with our great team and our members and guests.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy working with such a wide variety of people-ranging from brides to corporate meeting planners to our members. I get to do something different every day! I love also working with our Food and Beverage Team and learning as much as possible about different foods and wines.

What is your favorite thing do to outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs and watching all college sports!

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We are working on some exciting events for this fall, including Cheeseburger in Paradise, which is going to be on Saturday, September 25 at The Waterside. It should be a fun and exciting night!

Where are you from? I am from Buckhead, GA (the real Buckhead!) and grew up on Lake Oconee.

How long have you lived in Georgia? My entire life!

Do you play golf? I don't play golf but I'm an expert cart driver!

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-09-08T11:59:00.002-04:00

Short Stroke

The Putter should be increasing with speed when it contacts the ball. To hone an accelerating stroke , address a flat putt about 10 feet from a cup, then place a tee in the ground about 3 inches behind the putterhead. Take the putter back to the tee then pause for a second then stroke through. Practice this way before you play and you will hit solid putts during your round.

Tips provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-09-01T10:57:00.002-04:00

How the Pros Pitch

When many amateurs pitch the ball, they try to increase loft by uncocking the wrists on the downswing. They want to hit it high, but this moves leads to poor contact. The pros do the opposite. The open the face of the wedge then grip it. Then on the downswing the decrease loft by maintaining the wrist hinge through impact. This insures crisp contact.

Golf tips provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting to Know...

2010-08-31T12:08:00.003-04:00

Dorothee Bliek Senior Accountant

What is your position here? Senior Accountant

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? 7 years.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? The team I work with.

What do you enjoy most about your job? It involves a variety of responsibilities.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Play and watch ice hockey.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? The course is undergoing a project on the greens so we are offering golf clinics and lessons for members.

Where are you from? I am from France.

How long have you lived in Georgia? 7 years

Do you play golf? No but at least I can say that I tried… too frustrating for me!

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-08-25T14:38:00.002-04:00

Stay Connected

One of the most important parts of the golf swing is for the left arm to stay connected to the body. A good feel for achieving that connection is the elbows staying pointed down at address, at the top, at impact and through to the finish. Every great player has done it that way. Seve Ballesteros said he used to feel like he was pinching a towel under his left arm throughout the whole swing.

Golf Tips provided by Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Golf Course Update

2010-08-25T11:01:00.006-04:00

From June 8th to August 8th, a total of 645 hours had temperatures above 90 degrees. The average number of hours above 90 degrees, over the past 12 years, has been about 233 hours. This is an increase of about 275% from the average. Even after sunset on many days, temperatures have remained above 90 degrees and provided no time for the soil to cool down.

Rusty, our Golf Course Superintendent, shared today that the storms we had over the last 14 days have not hurt us too much. There was some need for re seeding form run off, but thankfully we avoided any significant heavy extended downpours of rain – we were lucky.

There is still some patching on the greens where some areas have prolific growth while others have yet to see signs of growth, but this Bent grass is a creeping variety so we are looking forward to that process kicking in. Rusty does plan to apply some fungicide and nitrogen in the near future which will help in the growing in. We had initially not planned to even put the seed down until September 1, so all the growth we have seen to date is a head start!

The forecast for the week ahead is mid 90’s instead of +100’s with no rain, so as long as we can continue to keep the greens wet, we may see some good forward movement as the week continues!

Take a look at the pictures of the course below. You can see the new grass coming up!

Getting to Know...

2010-08-24T15:31:00.005-04:00

Ron Krausman, Assistant Golf Professional

What is your position here? Assistant Golf Professional

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been working at Cuscowilla for 2 years

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? The family atmosphere is my favorite aspect of Cuscowilla.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy getting to work with our great team and membership every day!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I like to spend time with my wife and dogs.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? The course is undergoing a project on the greens so we are offering golf clinics and lessons for members.

Where are you from? I am originally from Kent, Ohio.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I’ve been living here for 2 years.

Do you play golf? As much as I can!

An Italian Feast at Cuscowilla

2010-08-20T10:43:00.002-04:00

Join us tonight for our Italian Feast!

The Waterside Restaurant is hosting "An Italian Feast Under the August Sun" tonight! Reservations are available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Give us a call at 706-484-2044 to make your reservation!

Check out the menu below!

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-08-18T13:44:00.001-04:00

Level Shoulders

If your going to use a sand wedge for chipping like the touring pros do, make sure your shoulders are level to the ground. Many players move the ball back in their stance and shift their weight left, but they tilt the shoulders away from the target. That causes the low point of the arc to be behind the ball and results in a fat shot. Set your shoulders level, your eyes looking at the front of the ball, and keep your head slightly ahead of it. That moves the low point of the arc forward for solid contact.

Golf Tips provided by our Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting To Know

2010-08-16T15:14:00.001-04:00

Carrie Vanderver, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager

What is your position here? Assistant Food & Beverage Manager

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been working at Cuscowilla for about 4 months.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love the natural beauty of everything.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy getting to know the membership, as well as resort guests. I look forward to building stronger relationships with the Cuscowilla family throughout my time here.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? There are so many things! I love being outdoors, antique shopping, reading, cooking (and eating), and just exploring whatever or wherever I can.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We started a new specialty beverage menu! Everyone should come try a Heavenly Tilly… the name says it all!

Where are you from? I moved to Eatonton from Athens, but I am from Baxley, GA.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in Georgia all my life! I was born in Okefenokee Regional Hospital. You might call me “Swampwise.”

Do you play golf? I played golf on my high school team, but I’m a little rusty these days.

Cheeseburger in Paradise

2010-08-13T10:45:00.002-04:00

Join us on Saturday, September 25 for a Cheeseburger in Paradise!

Cheeseburgers, French fried potoates and more will be offered for dinner, served from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The Waterside Patio. Frozen drinks and full bar will also be available. Call 706-484-2044 for more information.

I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes!

Golf Tip of the Week

2010-08-11T10:45:00.001-04:00

15-70 Yard Bunker Shots

A common mistake among amateurs is to use a sand wedge for long bunker shots. These shots are much easier when you choose your shorts irons from a pitching wedge to an 8 iron. You hit the shot just like a greenside bunker shot. Just remember to hit behind the ball with authority. Be aggressive and allow for more roll. Keep your angle of attack steep. Practice this for a while then start to use the shot on the course. It will save you strokes.

Golf tip provided by Cuscowilla Head Golf Professional and Assistant Golf Professionals

Greens Project

2010-08-11T09:16:00.001-04:00

Day 9 of our Greens Project - Construction phase complete! All 20 greens seeded. We will look for germination in 7-10 days.

Greens Project

2010-08-10T10:45:00.000-04:00

Day 8 of Greens Project-- Fine tuned our procedure and were able to complete the seeding of the first 10 greens. We will make a strong push tomorrow to try and finish the back 9. All has turned out well to this point. We believe this will end up being a good thing for our club.

Getting To Know...

2010-08-10T10:12:00.005-04:00

Jeff Steinberg, Restaurant Operations Manager

What is your position here? My position is Restaurant Operations Manager (In charge of all Cuscowilla F&B operations).

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have worked for Cuscowilla for six years.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I really like the property’s unique ambiance (peaceful and relaxing). It’s a great feeling to be inside the gates of Cuscowilla, not only for our guests, property owners and members, but for our employees as well!

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the sense of satisfaction when your work makes people feel good and you know they are enjoying their vacations, weddings, etc. because of our customer service. Also, my passion for providing a special dining experience with excellent cuisine, fine wines, and warm and friendly service. That is always the goal!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I enjoy being active and traveling.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? There are always new things going on. Right now we are working on new ways to embrace our members. We are working on training and product knowledge with our staff, and developing a cohesive management staff so we can lead our department to the next level.

Where are you from? Originally I am from Brooklyn, New York.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in Georgia 17 years.

Do you play golf? Yes, I love to play golf and I think Cuscowilla has one of the best courses I have ever played. It’s a jewel!

Cuscowilla Greens Project

2010-08-09T09:18:00.001-04:00

Day 5 of our Greens Project

Began phase 2 of project today with heavy topdressing, aerification using .50" quad-tines and deep verticuting in 2 directions. All went very well as we were able to finish the first 4 greens to seed next week. The plan at this point is still to finish out the project and have all greens seeded by mid to late week next week.

Follow our project updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cuscowillagolfresortonlakeoconee

Four Inches in Front

2010-08-05T09:20:00.001-04:00

An important part of golf is the divot. In a properly executed golf swing the low point of the arc is actually 4 inches in front of the ball. A tour player’s deepest part of their divot is 4 inches in front of the ball. As the player gets less advanced the deepest part of the divot gets closer to the ball. If you work on getting the low point of your arc 4 inches in front of the ball then your ball striking will improve tremendously.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Greens Project at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee

2010-08-04T16:58:00.000-04:00

Day 3 on our Greens Project -- All sod has been cut on greens, we will finish removing it tomorrow. We will start applying pre-plant fertilizers also tomorrow. On Friday, we anticipate moving to Phase 2 of project with topdressing and aerification at least on a few greens. I anticipate starting the seeding process on Monday potentially finishing by Wednesday.

Greens Project at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee

2010-08-02T15:41:00.001-04:00

Day 1 of our Greens project -- Project off to a fast start! We were able to get sod cut on greens 1-7, and cleaned up on greens 1-4. Talked at length today with Dr. Leah Brilman, the geneticist who developed the seed we intend to use, and she is urging us to speed up anticipated seed date. She doesn't feel the heat will adversely affect this grass. With that endorsement, we will strive to finish the first phase of project by weeks end, start and finish phase 2 by mid week next week and seed by weeks end. This may help tremendously as we move thru the fall.

Black Hawk helicopter pays visit to Cuscowilla

2010-07-30T09:08:00.002-04:00

GREENSBORO — The deep thump, thump, thump of the helicopter heard over Lake Oconee late Thursday morning sounded distinctly different than the otherwise normal incoming private helicopter sound. What emerged over the tree line of Cuscowilla was a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter piloted by members from the 1-171st Aviation Regiment and occupied by members of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard.

These troops were on a local mission to show appreciation to Chris Hilsman and Doug Tumlin of Pilot Builders for their support that has always been evident; but specifically during the past year and a half. During that timeframe one of their employees, Kris Marshall (known in the National Guard as Maj. Kris Marshall, Operations Officer for the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion) participated in multiple Overseas Deployment Training Events (ODTs). These teams comprised of citizen-soldiers traveled to such far off places as the Republic of Korea, Uganda, Germany, Italy, and Rwanda to participate in missions.

Thursday, 13 members from the Georgia National Guard traveled to the helicopter pad at Cuscowilla to say thanks for the company’s support of the National Guard. Upon landing at Cuscowilla, the group of soldiers met the entire Pilot Builders team and were then given a police escort by Putnam County Sheriff, Howard Sills and Cuscowilla’s CEO Andrew Ward to the Golf House Grill for the luncheon ceremony and award presentation. During the ceremony, LTC Raquel Durden, Commander of the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, presented Chris Hilsman and Doug Tumlin with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s “My Boss is a Patriot Award.” This was Hilsman’s and Tumlin’s second receipt of the award in addition to 2009’s Freedom Award for exemplary support of the National Guard. Pilot Builders was also presented with a framed American flag by Maj. Marshall. “This flag was carried throughout our mission covering travels to Germany, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Italy. It was a constant reminder of why we as Citizen-Soldiers serve, and of the friends and co-workers that support ourfamilies while we are away.”

“Things only seem to break when we are eight time zones away,” commented Maj. Kris Marshall during the ceremony as he also thanked his coworkers who provide assistance to his wife, Jennie, during the recent deployments. While many thanks were given to the staff of Pilot Builders, special thanks were also given to Andrew Ward and his team at Cuscowilla for the warm reception and use of the facilities to help make this a memorable visit. “The members of the Georgia Army National Guard appreciate the hospitality,” commented Lt. Col. Durden. In addition to supporting the National Guard, Cuscowilla opened their doors to other members of the local community for this visit and hosted the students and teachers from the Redeemer Episcopal Academy for a field trip to take pictures of the kids climbing aboard the Black Hawkhelicopter.

At the end of the day, members of Pilot Builders were recognized as well as the entire Cuscowilla Team. Jennie Marshall also received a Certificate of Appreciation for her 12 years of support to Maj. Marshall and the entire Georgia Army National Guard.

“The day was a great opportunity to recognize some very patriotic employers, family members and community members as well as to say thank you to Soldiers of the Georgia National Guard,” said Andrew Ward.

http://lakeoconeebreeze.net/homepage/x1060807129/Black-Hawk-helicopter-pays-visit-to-Cuscowilla

Cuscowilla to Attend Georgia Bridal Show!

2010-07-29T09:08:00.002-04:00

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is very excited to be participating in the Georgia Bridal Show at Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta this Sunday, August 1st. The bridal show will begin at 12:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. Cuscowilla will be at Booth #54 at the show.

The Georgia Bridal Show is a great way for brides to get ideas and visualize what they want for their wedding. Brides are able to meet numerous vendors including florists, bands, DJs, honeymoon destinations and more. Brides can also watch fashion shows of wedding dresses and tuxedos as well as get ideas for flowers, honeymoon locations, bridal registry, and more! Examples of centerpieces for reception tables as well as samples of wedding cakes and food to taste are even available.

Tickets are $10 cash only at the door and children five years of age or younger are free. For more information, call (insert GA Bridal Show info here).

Make sure to stop by Booth #54 to learn all about what Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee has to offer!

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee Press Release

2010-07-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

Press Release, for immediate release July 27, 2010

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee
Eatonton, GA, 31024

The oppressive Georgia heat and humidity over the last two months has taken its toll on the greens at one of Georgia’s top rated golf courses, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. CEO Andrew Ward shared “We know how hot it can get in Georgia, but the combination of extreme heat, heavy rainfall and high humidity over the last few months has had a significant impact on the quality of our greens. Here at Cuscowilla we have always been very proud of our golf course and our National and State rankings and it will continue to be our biggest priority and asset. We have always known there would be a need one day to replace the surface on the greens as Bentgrass has a limited lifespan”.

Ward went on to explain that “After further severe heat and humidity damage this weekend, discussions with the Cuscowilla Management Team took place and the Principals of Cuscowilla have decided to take action this summer and now close the greens on August 2nd for 9 -10 weeks. We will now redo the surface of all the Bentgrass greens. There is a new generation of more heat resistant Bentgrass available now that will replace the old turf. We are not replacing the greens, just the surface of the greens, and as such it is expected to return to some limited play in October, and back to normal before the end of 2010”.

Ward also confirmed that all of the other operations in Cuscowilla will continue during the transition and the practice facility, teaching center and fairways, and Food and Beverage Operations will remain open.

“The decisions that had to be made were not easy, especially considering the short lead time, but everybody in Cuscowilla, including the CMGA (Cuscowilla Men’s Golf Association) are convinced that they have to be made and are in the best interests of our Club” said Ward.
“We very much look forward to showcasing our new greens later in 2010, which will be better than ever before” Ward concluded. Ward also advised that the Golf Club at Cuscowilla recently jumped in the National rankings from #13 to #11 in Golf Weeks Top 100 Resort and Residential Courses in America for 2011 (November 2010 publication), which will be great timing with the return of the new greens. For further information contact Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, or visit them on line at www.cuscowilla.com and follow their blogs, face book, and web site for ongoing updates on the process.

Playing the Angles

2010-07-28T09:07:00.001-04:00

When playing the golf course it is best to know what side of the tee box or what shot to hit from a certain side of the course. Play the hole the way it is designed to be played. If you want to hit a draw you should set up on the left side of the tee box and if you wan to hit a fade then you should line up on the right side of the tee box. The opposite is true for left handed golfers. This enables you the most room for error. Proper course management can save you 2 shots per round.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting to Know...

2010-07-26T09:16:00.003-04:00

Amanda Fulmer

What is your position here? Membership Coordinator

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been working at Cuscowilla for nine years.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love getting to know the property owners.

What do you enjoy most about your job? At Cuscowilla, I enjoy talking to new people about Cuscowilla and letting them know what we have to offer.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy walking and going to see a movie.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We are currently having a limited time offering on our CAC Membership initiation fee of 21,000 in addition, a new member will have the option to add a National Golf Membership for no additional fee!

Where are you from? I am originally from Stone Mountain.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in Georgia for 35 years.

Do you play golf? I do not play golf, but I would love to learn.

Getting to Know...

2010-07-20T09:02:00.003-04:00

Carly Knight

What is your position here? I am the Sous Chef

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been the sous chef at Cuscowilla since March 2004

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love the relaxed atmosphere at the resort.

What do you enjoy most about your job? The most exciting part of my job is planning and cooking for our club golf tournaments.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? When I am not working at Cuscowilla I enjoy golfing, traveling, gardening, cooking and trying new restaurants, or most recently sitting on my couch eating Mexican food and ice cream and being seven months pregnant.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? At the Golf House Grill we are working on some exciting new member events such as Twilight Golf and Nine Dine and Wine, as well as member specials and new daily lunch specials.

Where are you from? I’m originally from Texas.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in GA for 12 years.

Do you play golf? I just received golf clubs for Christmas and hope to play a lot more after the birth of my son in September!

Go Downhill

2010-07-19T09:17:00.001-04:00

Drill: For solid iron shots, you must hit the ball with a descending blow, trapping it against the turf and allowing the clubs loft to send the ball in the air. Here’s a drill, grab a 6 iron and find a downslope. You are going to practice moving the divot in front of the ball. At address, match your shoulders and hips to the slope and hit shots. This encourages your hands and the club to swing down the slope while your lower body shifts forward.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Impact Position

2010-07-14T09:11:00.001-04:00

One key thought in the golf swing is to maintain a flat left wrist at impact. This is the most important element of impact. A flat left wrist means a proper release of the club, as a bent left wrist means the club is released to early. To help you do this, learn to swing the hands, not the clubhead.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Getting to Know...

2010-07-12T10:34:00.001-04:00

Nathan Crumb

What is your position here? Assistant Rooms Manager

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? I have been at Cuscowilla for 6 months.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? The employees I work with.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy getting to know our members and guests here at Cuscowilla.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Outside of work I like to go snowboarding and participate in just about every other sport.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? We have just implemented a mid shift for the housekeeping department in order to better service the public areas from 5-7pm.

Where are you from? I am from Greeley and Eagle Colorado.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in Georgia for 2 ½ years so far.

Do you play golf? I do play golf, but I am more of a golf club owner than a player.

Need a few tips on how to perfect that swing? If so, check out our golf tips!

2010-07-07T09:05:00.001-04:00

Our golf tips are available on our website at www.cuscowilla.com/golf-tip.php , on our blog at http://www.cuscowillaonlakeoconee.blogspot.com/ and can be emailed directly to you! Our Head Golf Professional, along with our Assistant Golf Professionals created tips for you that give helpful advice on posture, fixing your swing and more. We post a golf tip weekly on the website, blog and if you sign up, it can be sent directly to your inbox!

(And don’t forget that our great golf staff also offers private lessons! Call us at 706-485-0094!)

The Veranda Café

2010-07-06T12:04:00.006-04:00

Cuscowilla has opened the Veranda Café at The Waterside Restaurant. Accessible by land or boat, the Veranda Café is serving a light, fare lunch every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer months.

“The Veranda Café is open to the public and is located outside the Waterside Bar with a beautiful view of the resort pool, Lake Oconee and the Cuscowilla golf course. The menu offers a nice variety of salads, wraps, burgers and sandwiches that compliments the causal outdoor dining atmosphere. The full bar menu is available and we do specialize in refreshing frozen drinks like piña colada, strawberry daiquiri’s and margarita’s. The resort pool is open to all of our members, resort guests and property owners,” said Restaurant Manager Jeff Steinberg.

Some items on the menu include salads, items from the grill such as the 8oz. Angus burger and the grilled chicken breast sandwich, fryers such as buttermilk chicken tenders, and various wraps such as the buffalo chicken wrap served with French fries or coleslaw. The menu also includes various sides.

For more information, please call 706-484-2044.

Stay & Play Packages

2010-06-29T08:57:00.006-04:00

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is offering two exceptional stay and play packages for the summer season. Our one of a kind Coore / Crenshaw designed course winds through the 700 acre property, characterized by towering pines and expansive fields of native grasses, as well as beautiful Lake Oconee. One of our well-trained caddies can help navigate your round through our course, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing round. Take advantage of our summer golf specials and experience the # 1 Best Course You Can Play, Georgia by Golfweek 2010.

Golf Cottage Stay & Play for Four
Join us for one night in a charming two bedroom Golf Cottage and one round of golf for four, which includes forecaddie, greens fee, and cart fee on our award winning course. Caddie tip is not included. Package based on four people.

Weekday: $840 plus applicable taxes
Weekend: $890 plus applicable taxes

Stay & Play for Two
Join us for a one night stay in a luxurious Golf Cottage Studio or Lodge Villa Studio and one round of golf for two, which includes forecaddie, greens fee and cart fee on our award winning golf course. Caddie tip is not included. Package based on two people.

Weekday: $185 per person based on double occupancy + applicable taxes
Weekend: $198 per person based on double occupancy + applicable taxes

For more information on our packages, please call toll free at 1-800-458-5351 or visit us at http://www.cuscowilla.com/.

Getting to Know...

2010-06-28T10:30:00.004-04:00

Jimmy Branan

What is your position here? Real Estate Broker

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? It will 8 years in September that I have worked here at Cuscowilla.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? I love the natural beauty of Cuscowilla. Driving through the front gate and winding thought the meadows while looking at the golf course is one of my favorite things.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy meeting new people and showing them how special life is at Cuscowilla. The people at Cuscowilla are so nice.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to spend time with my wife, Cammie, and my two daughters, Mary Grace and Allie.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? There really has never been a better time to get involved at Cuscowilla. We currently have special pricing on our Non-Resident Golf Membership and The Club at Cuscowilla Membership. There are also lots of great Real Estate opportunities. We have specials offers on our Developer Building Lots and we have Resale Lots and Homes available in all price ranges.

Where are you from? I am from Milledgeville, Georgia.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have lived in Georgia my whole life.

Do you play golf? I do play golf, and I love it. Cuscowilla’s course is a real challenge and it will keep your game sharp!

An Italian Feast…Under the August Sun

2010-06-28T09:09:00.003-04:00

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee will be hosting “An Italian Feast…Under the August Sun” on Friday, August 20th at The Waterside Restaurant.

Executive Chef Richard Schafer will be serving regional Italian cuisine, and a selection of Italian wines will also be available.

“Italian food ranges from rich cream cheeses and mushrooms to olives and all the things that grow in the bright sun of the south like pungent garlic or the always inviting aroma of basil. All finished with the refreshing tastes of tomatoes and vinegar. I wanted to expose the heart and soul of the special dishes that a family would take a day to make and evening to enjoy,” said Schafer.

Join us for a night of Italian food while overlooking beautiful Lake Oconee. Reservations are available from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For reservations and more information, please call 706-484-2044.

“You’re certain to leave this event having had a great meal and a wonderful experience. The menu has so many different dishes to offer – bring a big group of friends, order one of everything and try it all,” said Events Manager, Jaime Murray.

The Waterside Restaurant recently hosted “An Evening with Julia Child” on Friday, June 18. The night featured cuisine from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Guests enjoyed items such as sautéed scallops, bacon wrapped petite filets and an upside down caramelized apple tart.

Located just 70 miles east of Atlanta, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is a golf club and resort located on Lake Oconee. Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee offers overnight accommodations, golf, two restaurants, Conference Center, boating, two swimming pools and much more. “Natural Purity with Passionate Delivery”.
For more information on Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, please visit our website at http://www.cuscowilla.com/ or call us at 706-484-0050.

Chip to a Spot

2010-06-28T09:04:00.001-04:00

To be a good chipper you have to be able to hit your landing spot. The good news is that the superintendent is helping you: The mower creates an inner cut line a few feet onto the putting surface that you can practice hitting, both on the chipping green and on the course. If you hit your chip shots solid and land them on that cut line, then what would be the variable? How much the ball rolls out. That comes from picking the right club. Use this system to develop chip shots with different clubs.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Jenna and Rob, October 2009

2010-06-24T09:14:00.005-04:00

Jenna and Rob immediately knew there was no better place for them to wed than Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee in October of 2009. “Cuscowilla was recommended to us by a friend, and once we visited, we barely got past the welcome gate before we both knew this was the perfect place for us to get married.”

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is a 700-acre golf resort and residential community located 70 miles east of Atlanta. “It was exactly what we wanted and turned out to be even better than we expected.”

The couple chose to have both the ceremony and reception at Cuscowilla. All of their guests were conveniently able to stay at three different Cuscowilla accommodations for the weekend. Cuscowilla’s Golf Cottages, Lake Villas, and Lodge Villas were just a short walk from the ceremony and reception location.

The ceremony took place on a green lawn, which was surrounded by beautiful Lake Oconee. Jenna’s six bridesmaids and one junior bridesmaid wore beautiful, long teal dresses by Watters. The bride carried a deep purple bouquet of flowers by her florist, Desire’s Floral Design Studio.

Only a few steps from the ceremony, The Waterside Restaurant hosted the reception. Guests were greeted with pretzel bites and Italian sausage and Romano cheese stuffed mushroom caps. The dinner buffet featured crab topped tilapia, garlic and thyme scented broccoli, and grilled asparagus.

Alpine Bakery designed the unique white chocolate raspberry truffle wedding cake. For the wedding favor, guests were able to create their own “goody bag” of candy, selecting from Jenna and Rob’s favorite candies in large jars, along with homemade cookies, made by the bride’s mom.

After the first dance to “Amazed” by Lonestar, guests enjoyed dancing the night away to tunes provided by Ambience Event Services.

Jenna and Rob left the reception by golf cart while guests blew bubbles and threw streamers. Eric Little Photography captured each moment of the couple’s special day. “Our favorite moment was just after we were announced husband and wife, and we walked back down the aisle together holding hands, seeing all of our family and closest friends smiling, clapping, and crying.”

Cuscowilla Introduces A Specialty Drinks Menu

2010-06-22T10:29:00.003-04:00

Cuscowilla Specialty Beverages

Tee Time Smoothie $6.00

The perfect cocktail to start, or end your round!

We guarentee it's a hole-in-one

Cussin Willy $7.00

It's an Absolut Cape Cod with a sweet little twist

that will keep you coming back for more!

Sweet Georgia Peach Martini $8.75

The perfect southern martini!

Lake Oconee Float $8.00

Refreshing Coca-Cola, Jack Daniels and ice cream!

We's call that a perfect afternoon.

Heavenly Tilly $8.00

The name says it all.

When you think of the perfect dessert,

You'll think Heavenly Tilly!

The Golf House Grill NEW Prix Fixe Menu

2010-06-22T10:21:00.004-04:00

Golf House Grill Prix Fixe Menu

$22 Per Person

Starters

Chilled White Peach Soup

with Cherry Mousse

-or-

Fried Okra Spears

with Spicy Ranch Dip

Entrees

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

with Peach Chipotle Salsa and Creamed Corn

-or-

Southern Fried Catfish with Hand Cut Fries,

Okra and Tomatoes and Spicy Remoulade

Desserts

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

and Vanilla Cream

-or-

Chocolate Silk Pie

Getting To Know...

2010-06-21T12:36:00.005-04:00

Trevor Brown

What is your position here? I am the Assistant Rooms Division Manager.

How long have you been at Cuscowilla? Just a short 2 months but I'm already loving my job.

What is your favorite thing about Cuscowilla? My favorite thing about Cuscowilla is the calm atmosphere I have to work in everyday.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really love the versatility of working with many different departments.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? A perfect day for me would be listening to music while having a cigar.

What kind of new things are going on in your department? The front desk is welcoming all Select Registry guests and Housekeeping has added a new mid day shift while also preparing for 4th of July weekend.

Where are you from? Originally I am from New Jersey.

How long have you lived in Georgia? I have been living in Atlanta for five years.

Do you play golf? Not yet, hopefully I will learn in the future.

The Perfect Punch

2010-06-21T12:22:00.000-04:00

When you have to hit a low punch shot, think, two-two-two. Grip down two inches: this will stiffen the shaft, which promotes lower ball flight. Play the ball back two inches from the center of your stance; this will promote less loft of the clubface at impact. Then open your stance two inches; this will restrict the backswing and put your weight forward, which also lowers the trajectory. Make a normal swing and the set up will produce the desired shot.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals

Hours for Cuscowilla

2010-06-21T09:17:00.001-04:00

The Welcome Center is located before the security gate at Cuscowilla and offers information about Cuscowilla as well as a place to check in and out. The Welcome Center is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 706-484-0050.

The Golf House includes The Golf House Grill and The Pro Shop. The Golf House Grill has spectacular views of the 14th green and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is open Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday-Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Pro Shop is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is fully equipped with golf apparel, equipment, and accessories. Golf professionals are also available for private lessons. Please call 706-923-0115 for more information.

The Waterside Restaurant is open for private events as well as holidays. It is perfect for business and family entertaining and is accessible by boat, car, or walking trails. For more information, call 706-484-2044.

New to Cuscowilla, the Veranda Café at The Waterside Restaurant offers a light, fare lunch. It is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call 706-484-2044 for more information.

We hope to see you at one of these Cuscowilla locations!

Megan & Tad - August 2009

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Megan and Tad could not have been more satisfied with their decision on wed at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee in August of 2009. “We chose Cuscowilla because we had been to a wedding there that past October and fell in love with the location. It had everything we were looking for,” said the elated couple.

Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is a 700-acre golf resort and residential community located 70 miles east of Atlanta. “From the staff that worked there who treated us great every step of the way, to the beautiful Lake Oconee creating the perfect backdrop for our wedding, we loved every minute of it,” stated the recently married couple.

Megan and Tad’s guests made a weekend getaway out of the special event and stayed on the Cuscowilla property in one of the three different types of accommodations. “All of our wedding guests commented on how impressed they were with the resort and the accommodations,” said Megan & Tad.

The couple chose to have the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception all at Cuscowilla. The rehearsal dinner was hosted at the Golf House Grill, located on Cuscowilla property, with floor-to-ceiling rounded windows for spectacular views. The couple chose a Southern-style menu customized to their liking by Cuscowilla’s Executive Chef.

The ceremony was held on a green lawn overlooking Lake Oconee. Megan’s eight bridesmaids wore deep purple dresses. She carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses with calla-lilies created by her florist, Greensboro Florist, as she walked down the aisle to the string trio, All Things String. Eric Little Photography captured all of the memories of the day.

The reception was hosted at The Waterside Restaurant. Guests were greeted from the ceremony with white peach and raspberry frozen punch as they enjoyed the reception band, Kingsized. Appetizers included fresh mozzarella and vine ripe tomato Bruschetta, as well as cream cheese and lump crab wontons with sweet chili sauce.

All centerpieces for the tables included white linens with white hydrangeas and fern leaves. Guests enjoyed a buffet which included pepper crusted slow roasted sirloin strip, baked tilapia, Panko crusted chicken breast, whipped potatoes with toppings and more. The wedding cake included butter cream frosting and layers alternating between chocolate cake with a chocolate mouse filling and white cake with a chocolate mouse filling.

At the end of the reception, the couple left by boat after walking down a path lined with their guests holding sparklers. “Having the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception all within walking distance, nestled in the cozy comfort of Cuscowilla made everyone feel like they were all truly part of this special day. Our experience at Cuscowilla was everything we could have dreamed of for our wedding.”

www.ericlittlephotography.com

Short Stroke

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The Putter should be increasing with speed when it contacts the ball. To hone an accelerating stroke, address a flat putt about 10 feet from a cup, then place a tee in the ground about 3 inches behind the putterhead. Take the putter back to the tee then pause for a second then stroke through. Practice this way before you play and you will hit solid putts during your round.

Golf tips provided by our Head Golf Professional & Assistant Golf Professionals