On the heels of the announcement of a multi-million-dollar room refresh at its Legacy Lodge and LakeHouses, Georgia’s Lanier Islands Resort takes aim at another game-changing transformation. Opening Spring 2026, the lakeside destination will debut a multi-phase golf investment that includes Georgia’s only night-lit Par 3 course, a fully renovated and expanded clubhouse, and updated branding that will position Legacy Golf Course and the Resort on par with some of the country’s most celebrated golf destinations. From team building for company retreats to golf getaways for groups of friends, Legacy Golf Course is ideally set at the heart of a resort that offers a variety of overnight accommodations, an array of dining options, and a wealth of outdoor and indoor activities within a picturesque setting.
Since opening in 2009, the Billy Fuller-designed Legacy Golf Course has received rave reviews and built a loyal following among golfers across the Southeast, with 14 holes offering awe-inspiring views of Lake Lanier. Deemed the “Pebble Beach of the South,” by Links Magazine, the course has earned numerous accolades over the years, including recognitions as one of the 10 Best Lakeside Golf Courses in America by Men’s Journal, Best Round of Golf in Atlanta by The Atlantan magazine, and – most recently – a coveted #3 spot on GolfPass’s 2025 list of Top 25 Public Courses in Georgia.
“We’re incredibly proud of the golf tradition here at Lanier Islands Resort,” said Matthew Bowling, President of the lakeside destination. “Our connection to the game runs deep. The Resort was once home to an early course design by golf legend Gary Player, one of only four golfers in history to complete the career Grand Slam. Our history also includes a premier LPGA tournament that featured the top 12 female players in the world. With this investment, we’re honoring that legacy while also creating new experiences that will make the game more accessible, social, and fun for every guest.”
Bowling shared that the redesigned clubhouse will be dedicated to the memory of Lanier Islands Resort CEO Mike Williams, honoring his leadership and passion for the game. Designed by renowned golf architect Jim Chapman, whose portfolio includes Peachtree Golf Club, Atlanta Athletic Club, and Capital City Club, the new space will feature expanded dining, a 19th-hole bar and lounge, an upgraded pro shop, outdoor gathering spaces overlooking Lake Lanier, and flexible event areas. Complementing the clubhouse is “The Six,” a first-of-its-kind, six-hole night-lit par-3 course – offering incomparable water views.
“‘The Six’ will truly be a game changer,” Bowling added. “It opens the door for beginners, families, and casual players while still offering something challenging and unique for avid golfers. Combined with the new clubhouse, we believe this will elevate not just golf, but the entire resort experience.”
To complete the transformation, Lanier Islands Resort has partnered with noted golf brand designer Seth McWhorter, known for his work with Sweetens Cove and Pinehurst, to refresh the Legacy Golf Course brand and develop a new identity for “The Six.”
In addition to on-course play, guests can enjoy year-round golf at the resort’s ultimate indoor entertainment destination, Game Changer. Inside the 23,000-square-foot facility, state-of-the-art virtual golf simulators make it possible to experience the game in many different ways — further solidifying Lanier Islands Resort as a true, all-season golf destination. Game Changer also offers additional virtual sports simulators, arcade games, duckpin bowling, axe-throwing, an escape room, adult gaming machines, dining, and two full bars.
Beyond the Legacy Golf Course enhancements, the Lanier Islands Resort team is also hard at work, curating a series of new festivals, concerts, and experiences to augment the lakeside destination’s event calendar. One of the first of those experiences is The Lights Fest, scheduled for March 27-28, 2026. Debuted on Lanier Islands Resort’s shores in October 2025, the event drew 4,500 attendees as thousands of biodegradable, fire-resistant lanterns filled the night sky.
Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford.
