$10,000 Awarded to Hole-in-One Golfer at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course

BUFORD, Ga. - May 18, 2015 - PRLog -- When it comes to holes-in-one, it would appear that fifth time’s the charm in the case of Tillamook Corporate Regional Sales Manager, Michael Christensen. Having played the Gourmet Foods International Golf Tournament at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course as a vendor participant for the past five years, Christensen was pleasantly surprised by what this particular day had in store for him. When he approached Hole #10 and sunk his ball on the first shot, he was not only $10,000 richer – he was utterly elated.

“Having never made a hole-in-one, I wasn’t sure how I would react or if the moment would ever happen,” recalled Minnesota resident Christensen. “I definitely let out 35 years of pent up golf enthusiasm after we watched the ball drop into it the hole. It’s a feeling I wish upon every golfer who has the pleasure to play the game!”

At a little less than six years since the estimated $4 million Billy Fuller-designed renovation of the lakeside course at Georgia’s award-winning Lanier Islands, Legacy Golf Course is rapidly closing in on its 100th hole-in-one. Since its re-opening, the course has had four holes-in-one within one week and two on the very same day. It's a phenomenon that the club’s staff of PGA Professionals credits to the firm, fast and undulating greens of the golf course.

“When the ball lands, it's not typically done moving – so players have a better chance to hole out from an array of shots played,” explained Lanier Islands’ head golf pro, Brian Conley. “This is opposed to soft, slow greens one might find at other courses around Atlanta where the ball has to land almost inches from the hole in order to go in. #10 is a 171-yard par 3 over a small ravine. Thanks to the 2009 renovation, it's an entirely new hole and has given up the most aces of all the par 3's here because of the green design. We've chosen #10 to host our $1 Million Hole-in-One Challenge in recent years for that reason alone. I've even made a hole-in-one myself on #10 two years ago! People come here to play the course because it’s as challenging as it is beautiful – lots of rolling hills and gorgeous views of the water. But the fact that it’s entirely plausible that you could hit a hole-in-one simply serves to add to its appeal.”

To earn his hole in one, Christensen hit a Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball 182 yards from the tee to Hole #10 using a 5 Iron - Mizuno JPX 850. The $10,000 cash prize was awarded via an insurance policy Gourmet Foods International took out through American Hole ‘n One. The proceeds from the May 5 tournament benefited two child-focused Georgia charities: LifeLink Georgia and Camp Kudzu.

Everyone from companies seeking an exciting new tournament site to small groups who wish to play a beautiful course are invited to contact the pro shop at Lanier Islands’ Legacy Golf Course by calling 678-318-7861. To learn more about the lakeside club and surrounding resort, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.lanierislands.com.

About Lanier Islands: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lanier Islands. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. As the resort’s crown jewel, Lake Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 miles of surface area and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Legacy Lodge and Legacy Villas enhance the resort’s broad assortment of accommodation choices and meeting sites – making it the ideal choice for corporate meetings and company retreats. Popular excursions like fun in the sun at the boardwalk-themed LanierWorld, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing make the resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site.

Lanier Islands is steadily securing a solid standing for their unique vision of the future of this luxury retreat, their unswerving dedication to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and their signature brand of Southern Hospitality. In 2014, the Resort was awarded with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and became a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. For more information, schedule a tee time, learn package details or make reservations, call (770) 945-8787 or visit Lanier Islands’ website at www.lanierislands.com.