Lanier Islands Legacy

The Buford Dam was built in 1956 to contain the waters of the Chestatee and Chattahooche Rivers and shortly thereafter the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority was set up to operate the area as a recreational destination.

By the mid-1970s, Harbor Landing, campgrounds, stables and a beach area were among the first phase of developments to appear and by the end of the following decade, a resort hotel and 18-hole Joe Lee-designed course at Emerald Pointe Golf Club were established.

Additional lodging options arrived during the 1990s then the early part of the new millennium was spent renovating and expanding the facilities to meet increased demand from visitors.

The renovated Lanier Islands Legacy Course re-opened for business in 2009 after a makeover from Billy Fuller, the former Augusta National Superintendent from 1981 to 1986, who is best known for developing the Better Billy Bunker method of bunker construction.