BUFORD, Ga. — Lanier Islands Resort marked the opening of the Mike Williams Golf Center and The Six, a night-lit, par-3 golf course, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the resort’s Legacy Golf Course.
Amenities at the new Mike Williams Golf Center include a renovated clubhouse, an expanded pro shop, a bar, F&B offerings, and an outdoor event pavilion overlooking The Six and Lake Lanier. The six-hole course ranges from 56 to 91 yards and is illuminated by LED light towers for play after sunset.
The golf center is named for former Lanier Islands Resort CEO Mike Williams, who led the resort from 2005 to 2023, and died before the opening. His father, Virgil Williams, chairman of the resort’s board, acquired the lakeside destination in 2005. Williams helped develop several Lanier Islands attractions and activities during his tenure, including Sunset Cove (now Margaritaville at Lanier Islands), Full Moon Parties, Magical Nights of Lights, and the Lake Lanier Poker Run. He also was a founding member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism and Hospitality Board.
“Tonight is, of course, a night of mixed emotions, as we celebrate the excitement of a new era of golf at Lanier Islands,” said Matthew Bowling, president of Lanier Islands Resort, during remarks before the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mike Williams Golf Center. “But, we are also here to remember and celebrate the dedication of this clubhouse in honor of my uncle, Mike Williams, who served as the CEO of this resort for so many years and was so passionate about growing the game of golf here at the Islands. Over the past several years, golf has become one of the leading drivers of this resort. We continue to see growth in the number of rounds we host each year, and we’re also seeing tremendous growth in the number of golf tournaments. This includes both private groups and many nonprofits in our community, which we’re really, really proud of. Most importantly, with all this growth, we have continued to receive outstanding feedback about our golf course, our operations, and our staff. We’re honored to be one of the best courses in the state, and I want to recognize this incredible team that makes it happen every single day.”
The opening event drew community leaders, including Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Nick Masino, Georgia Lottery Corp. president and CEO Gretchen Corbin, and Georgia Dept. of Economic Development Regional Tourism manager Marcie Kicklighter.
“The Williams Family has worked diligently behind the scenes to make Lanier Islands Resort a destination Georgia can be proud of,” Masino said. “They’re continually innovating and investing to elevate the guest experience. With the addition of the Mike Williams Golf Center and night golf to one of the most beautiful public courses in the Southeast, they are placing northeast Georgia at the forefront of golf tourism, while reigniting interest among local golfers and tournament organizers. I know Mike Williams would have been incredibly proud to see his name associated with an investment that reflects his deep love for Lanier Islands and the game of golf. His vision and passion continue to shape the future of this remarkable destination.”
Corbin added, “At the Georgia Lottery, we can spot a winner, and the combination of the Mike Williams Golf Center and The Six will undoubtedly prove an extraordinary addition to our state. From the nighttime golf play to the spacious clubhouse patio, Lanier Islands Resort and the Williams family have created another winning entertainment space for golfers and non-golfers to enjoy. What a wonderful way to celebrate the life of former Lanier Islands Resort CEO Mike Williams, who not only served the Islands with distinction, but was also known to be the happiest golfer on the course. May The Six be a daily reminder of the joy Mike brought not only to the game of golf but also to his friends, his family, and visitors of Lanier Islands Resort.”
