Appling, GA

IDGC - WR Jackson Memorial DGC

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16 0
dndelli
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.6 years 134 played 131 reviews
5.00 star(s)

WR Jackson Memorial DGC

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 23, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

In the wake of the news that Wildwood Park, where the IDGC resides, was going to have acres upon acres of pine trees cut down due to the invasive species of Pine Beetles ravaging the trees, I finally made the trek to the IDGC to play the courses there before it was potentially too late. Especially since the futures of the WR Jackson Memorial DGC and Jim Warner Memorial DGC are not looking too bright. The complex had already removed all of the tee signs from the course, and was in the process of removing the benches from both of those courses. So I will not be holding that against either course.

WR Jackson uses DISCatcher baskets, has great concrete tees, and two layouts. Nine of the holes play from the same tee, while the other nine holes the layouts have separate tees. The Gold course plays over 10,500 feet, the Blue course plays right around 1,000 feet less. So clearly both layouts are long.

From start to finish the course is nothing short of phenomenally designed disc golf holes. Each hole managed to force shot shapes from the tees, and require both accuracy and power to find the best landing zones. It is truly a championship caliber course. The fairways are well defined, and the rough was honestly not bad at all. I didn't see a single place on the course where I felt like there was a high risk of disc loss potential.

The course is incredibly beautiful. While you never get to have some of the gorgeous views of the lake while playing WR Jackson, like you see on the other two IDGC courses, multiple times I still found myself stopping to look around at just how pretty and well maintained the fairways are. It's not often we get to play a course that has grassy fairways weaving through a forest. While they may not all be grassy all the time, there were enough of them for it to stick out in my mind.

The course is a wooded course, and as I said before landing zones are definitely important on the multi-shot holes, but they never felt overly constricting. Which is nice because WR Jackson is long. However it is comfortably long with fairways wide enough to get full flight out of your discs. The fairways are not boring, there are plenty of obstacles/trees to navigate. I lost count of how many times my shot looked perfect out of my hand, only for me to realize there was one tree just out of my vision, that I failed to get around. Even still, it was never demoralizing because of the width of the fairways.

The terrain is utilized incredibly well throughout the layout, with multiple uphill, downhill, and valley shots. Hole 8 was one of the funnest tee shots on the hole course, with a steep downhill right off the tee.

While the course is not two separate nine hole loops that meet at the parking lot, the course does loop back to the starting point between Holes 13 & 14.

Like the rest of the IDGC, the navigational signage around the course is impeccable.

On top of all of that, the course shares the property with two other amazing courses and the IDGC center. There is a pro shop, plaques for the inductees of the Hall of Fame, and the Ed Headrick Memorial Museum with memorabilia throughout the evolution of the sport. The Tournament Pavilion has a vending machine, and fans. It is a nice place to eat lunch between rounds.

Cons:

Unfortunately due to the need to eradicate the invasive Pine Beetles, WR Jackson Memorial DGC seems to be running on borrowed time. No matter what happens, the current layout will certainly be lost/unrecognizable to future players. And the extent that the Pine Beetles were affecting the course was extremely noticeable. Almost every pine tree on the course was bleeding sap. It was depressing seeing some of the mammoth sized pines in the fairways creaking under their own weight, while sap oozed down their 100+ foot tall trunks.

Out of all of the courses at the IDGC complex, WR Jackson has the highest barrier of entry. In the sense that anyone who struggles to consistently throw at least 250 feet is going to have a sore arm by the time their round is over. Anyone who is unable to accurately throw 300' to 350' is going to likely be playing bogey golf, even from the short tees. While I understand that not every course needs to be accessible for every player, there were definitely places where even shorter tee pads could have been placed to create a fun White level layout.

Other Thoughts:

There are a couple of courses that I have played that I believed were on the threshold of being a 5.0 rated course, and WR Jackson I believe edges into that conversation. It seems like in the past the rough was much worse than it is now, but clearly a lot of work went into making the course pristine for the Champions Cup that has been held here the past couple of years. It would take an ungodly kick of a terrible colored disc, thrown around one of the blind corners with a bad roll-away to really need start needing to worry about a lost disc. I am sure it happens, but most courses this length, you have to play with that danger throughout, lingering in the back of your mind. Not here.

There honestly probably isn't much more to say about this course that hasn't already been said. Other than, it is truly a shame that it won't be around much longer. If you are like me, and have put off making the trip to IDGC because there were other great courses more convenient to you, see if you can't get out there in the extremely limited time left before the courses are closed down so the pine trees can all be cut down. (Next Wednesday, September 27th, is the last day they will be open before the cutting begins.)

Favorite Holes: 1, 7, 8, 11, 12, 18
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6 0
Johnsondere
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 8.7 months 136 played 83 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Challenging and Iconic

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 29, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Plenty of parking available
- The IDGC facilities are great!
- The history of the sport, pro shop, and just the vibes are amazing
- The course itself is such a challenge. So much fun to compare yourself against top level pros.
- The lines are fair. If you aren't playing well you get punished, simple as that.
- Beautiful walk through the woods!

Cons:

I seriously cannot think of a con.

Other Thoughts:

This course is fair, fun, challenging, and iconic all at once. Make sure you bring your mental game...if you aren't hitting your lines and you get frustrated easily, good luck!
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18 0
autocrosscrx
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 6.7 years 27 played 27 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Iconic

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 19, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

- IDGC facility and all that entails - practice area, pavilion, pro shop, museum, hospitality. Simply unique to disc golf.
- This course is an icon. Play the holes that you've watched your favorite pros on Jomez, GK Pro, etc.
- Course is well marked and easy to navigate for a wooded course.
- Nice tee pads, lots of benches.
- Even though this is likely one of the most difficult courses that you'll play, it isn't punishing like some of the other toughies. There is lots of air space to advance your disc and the rough isn't relatively clear.
- I managed to be on this course by myself and it was incredibly peaceful.

Cons:

- Limited trash cans
- The course isn't for everyone. It is very long and requires a certain mindset to play and enjoy if you aren't a bomber. If you are a MA3/MA4 player, bogeys are okay, and often even good.
- Not as scenic as the courses on the lake side of IDGC.

Other Thoughts:

I'm an 808 rated MA4 player that is thrilled to push a disc 300 feet. I absolutely loved this course. It took every bit of skill, focus, mental fortitude, stamina, and creativity that I could muster. To play bogey golf. This is hands down the best course that I've played.

I look forward to coming back and playing this course every year.

I loved everything about facility and the trip and cannot recommend it enough. Playing WR Jackson was my highlight.
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18 0
Bennybennybenny
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.1 years 305 played 287 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The Element of Fire 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 16, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

-The hardest and the greatest of the three courses on site. WR Jackson offers a consistent challenge the whole way with very little variety in hole challenge. Every hole at WR Jackson, whether you play the golds or blues is difficult to say at the least. Fire is a symbol of divinity. To put this informally, WR Jackson is divine! Divine just like John Houck's other courses! WR Jackson a fire that displays inspiration. The walk through the forest is mesmerizing down some of the clean and polished trails. Every hole has a special appearance, part because of the different shot requirements (#3, #6, #14), because of some unique elevation change (#7, #8, #15, and #18), because of precision (#4, #16, #17), and all because of challenge. It's very safe to say that WR Jackson is most likely the "Augusta National" to disc golf courses. Every hole is an adventure in some sort of way because each and every hole means something and has its own little background.

-WR Jackson softens up on accurate shots, but still remains challenging when you hit the line properly. There are only seven par threes. There are eight par fours from the blues and nine par fours from the golds. There are three par fives from the golds and two from the shorts. There are seven short pads that play as the blues, but they are still very difficult. Difficult, without being expecting too much out of advanced players. You have to go for it every time to birdie and be very accurate. There isn't much room for throws that are less than 90% accurate. If you miss the designated fairway on any hole here, your birdie opportunity is gone with the exception of maybe one or two holes. However, safe play could give you pars and would be a reliable option on days where it's harder to throw long and straight. That's one of the many reasons why I think John Houck is such an awesome course designer. He designs championship level courses that give many different options to score well on and he makes the quality of them as high as he possibly can.

-Has many necessities like benches that allow you to sit and catch your breath. You'll be trying to throw as far as you can on several holes here. Ease of navigation, such as next tee arrows. Has its own kiosk and entrance archway and several practice baskets of different brands in the field next to the starting hole.

-Hole quality is superior. Starts off grand and it ends grand! The first hole is a perfectly laid out pro par four. Lots of room to throw a big drive with some spaced out trees in the middle. The trees are tough to avoid, but the distances spread from them are wide enough to create several optional lanes for you to try to hit off of the tee pad. If you throw a 350'+ successfully, a birdie is in range. #2 is 390' par three that still offers plenty of room. Fairway is probably more than 40' wide and it fades slightly left. Offers room for a slightly overstable driver to turn a little bit left in the end. I could go on to the next hole as it is excellent and unique too with it's own specialities but I'm just going to move on to a few of the holes that REALLY stood out to me.

-#7 and #8 both stood out as holes. #7 is a 744' par four from the gold and 645' par four from the short pad. It's a long dogleg left with a quite a bit of room to throw a power backhand drive. You want to go long and far left into the woods. The second half of it is wooded with tons of trees in line with the basket. #8 takes the available elevation into account very well. It's down a large hill in the woods. There's a landing zone to the right side that is pretty tough to see from the pad. This is one of those par fours where it's not comfortable throwing a driver off of the tee. You want to throw something slow and not too far. The second half of this hole is straight ahead, uphill and with a little more room to throw a driver.

-Low risk in going out of bounds on most holes. All but maybe one, and the one hole with OB stakes is designed brilliantly. #16. It's a 300' uphill par three just begging you to go for it. It's definitely the most attackable hole; you just HAVE to avoid the drop off on the right side where the OB stakes are located. None of the other holes have a lot of hazards in regards to penalty strokes. The rough here is not the toughest that I've personally seen. I was able to save par after landing in the rough on some holes here, but I had to get very strategic. Even if you land in the fairway, you still have to be analytical and meticulous.

-Nothing comes easy at WR Jackson, but it does end on a more softer note. #16 played as the easiest hole in the last tournament here, averaging 2.71 in the pro division. So, the OB is very preventable. #18 is a 726' par five. There are par fours at WR Jackson longer than this hole. The drive is significantly uphill and pretty tight. Think about how far you are accurately throw. Throw your straightest and most reliable driver or mid and you'll see a softer side to this championship level course. A birdie is very doable. I parred this hole and was pretty disappointed with par, but I also had a bad drive off the tee and was able to get a little bit of distance out of the rough from where I threw. This is probably the most forgiving hole. Pros have eagled it before and as hard as it is to eagle, it can be done.

-The disc catcher baskets are in great shape and the concrete pads are well kept. The tee signs are spectacular and have such original design with well descriptive hole mappings.

-The pro shop beside WR Jackson has a ton of discs of every brand. I mean, you'd expect that at the International Disc Golf Center but not all that with the supply shortage occurring. They have their own special scorecards and it's only $3 to play all day for the Military and PDGA members. It's a little more if you aren't a member, but not by much.

-It's rewarding. The challenge doesn't change much. There are a few holes that aren't quite as difficult to birdie, and there are a few that are very difficult to reach, but nothing outlandishly hard for players over 970 rated. Few tight fairways (#5 especially) that give a pretty rigorous accuracy test, but playing safe is an option here. It's over 10,000 in length but you don't have to be a distance thrower to have a solid round. Honestly, attempting to throw as far or as hard as you can will be detrimental.

Cons:

-I know it's specifically designed for top level players, but it's such a gorgeous setting with its own perks that differ from Steady Ed and Jim Warner and it makes you wish there were a third set of pads so that it could appeal to a wider audience. If you've played Hobbs Farm (another masterpiece designed by Houck), you'll see superior hole quality like there is here at WR Jackson but Hobbs also offers second pin positions and short pads for less experienced players. I think WR Jackson could use some short pads so that it can play as the 10000+ long beast it was designed to be and also offer a shorter layout that gives newer players their own excitement at WR Jackson.

Other Thoughts:

-John Houck doesn't fail to disappoint. This course is a real masterpiece. It's extremely challenging yet very fair with clear and obvious lines that offer more than enough room to hit. It's one of the hardest courses that I've played because of different shot shaping requirements, but it's manageable. You have to work for a good score on every hole. There are plenty of par fours and fives that I have played where a big accurate drive will allow you to throw an easy upshot for birdie. It's not that way here. Any birdie made at WR is well earned. You could have an excellent drive and it will be rewarded, but you still have to throw the following shot very precisely. As difficult as they are, none of the par fours or fives have that "insane" challenge like some do on the disc golf pro tour. #12 is the longest hole at 990'. It's a hard hole that enters a wide opening in the woods after about 400'. The fairway stays wide and very fair. It's all about placement on this hole. You'll want some distance, but it isn't the hardest hole on the course. My opinion, the hardest hole at WR Jackson is a par three. That is #5.

-#5 is a par three that is over 400' in length. It's dead straight in front of you and it is narrow the entire way. It is incredibly hard to throw a driver 400' accurately, but it's hard to throw a straight shot about 250' and expect to be able to throw a great upshot from a near 200' to a basket and make an easy par. Distance can really be beneficial on this hole, but many players get fives and sixes on this hole because they tried to reach it and they nailed a tree. The option to go soft remains. If you can par this hole, then you can par any hole here.

-Distance can be rewarded here and so can precision. If you can throw 500', you won't need all of that distance necessarily. Throw as far as you can comfortably. It's incredibly hard to throw your max distance without that fearful feeling. You have to optimize the two. I mentioned holes #5 and #12 as prime examples of that. Another example of that would be #15 from the long. It's very tough. 714' downhill par four down a fairway that splits before the halfway point of this hole. I threw an anhyzer on about 70% power and was rewarded with a nice outcome. My culverin flipped right and hyzered out left in the end. Alternatively, you could take the left route on the split fairway on a right hand sidearm. The downhill elevation on this hole make it easier to throw a further distance without too much power. I really love this hole.

-It's designed for pros, but it's so well designed with the challenge maintaining its persistency. It does allow players who aren't on the pro level different options and ways to play it well, but it certainly isn't anyone's game here. Pros will have that competitive advantage and be able to showcase their skills a lot since it's a long championship level course with a lot of fairway. Most of the hardest holes on the golds are the ones that offer short tee pads that are still very tough, but a little less intense.

-Many holes could be signature holes. There are so many that stood out. I never mentioned #14. It was a real blast too off the elevated pad in the open field. This is the hole that distinguishes the par difference between the blues and golds since it's a five from the long and a four from the short. The first half of this hole is dead straight. You want your drive to go as straight as you can make it so that you have an easy second shot in the fairway that enters the clear. The second half of this open is primarily open aside from the upshot in the woods. You'll want to look and see the pin location for yourself so that you know exactly what spot you want to land in once you reach the opening. You want to be left with a less than 300' approach with a line to the basket that you are comfortable hitting. The approach shot is tucked a good ways right into the woods. This par five should be played as if you are playing two holes. A par four that starts in the open and enters the woods and then ends in a different open spot, and then as a par three that's a mostly open until the last 100' or so. Anhyzer or right hand flick is the best play.

-I can't really describe the holes as well as they present themselves. It's an awesome experience at WR Jackson, as well as Jim Warner and Steady Ed. Enjoy yourself and have fun!
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22 0
BigAl724
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.6 years 178 played 144 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Easy Peasy 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 4, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Ok, just kidding. But you already knew that. That, or you automatically assumed that I am a liar or a lunatic. I will not surprise many with my review, but WR Jackson is one of the hardest courses I've ever played. It is also one of the best courses out there that is so hard but offers an "enjoyable beating". I've never felt so small on a course. It's hard to explain, but I felt while playing that it was made for literal giants (or Paul McBeth), but yet still feels fair for an intermediate like me. Super hard, but fair.

Obviously, on a John Houck course, every single shot carries weight and has purpose. From the first hole, this is precision golf at its best - only for 350'+ drives and very long approaches. While most holes are in a similar setting, each one offers a unique challenge with a huge shot selection throughout the round. Even advanced players are going to have to utilize a whole bag of tricks - and discs.

This is multi-stage hole-type at its finest, with constant landing zones. Hit the landing zones for a nice set up. Miss them and it will almost certainly add to your score, without punishing the player to unnecessary lengths.

No epic elevation changes, but elevation is often a factor in sneaky ways, adding to the challenge in a good way. The shorter, tighter holes on the back 9 are very welcome and offer a nice variety to the long par 4's and 5's.

The flags on top of the baskets are a nice touch, often helping identity pin placement.

For how heavily wooded the course is, and for how bad I am, I never had to pitch out. This is very rare for a course as challenging and wooded as this one.

The price to play here is super reasonable considering this is the INTERnational Disc Golf Center. We disc golfers are spoiled.

Cons:

Lacks a really special, signature hole. Truly, every hole is amazingly designed. It is so very consistent, but it doesn't quite offer a signature hole like at Selah, Moraine, or Sugaree. Those and all others in my top 10 have multiple signature holes. I understand that calling a hole signature is purely subjective, and this is really the main thing that kept me from giving it a 5.0.

Definitely doesn't cater to everyone. In fact, it "caters" to very few. But that doesn't mean it's not still an amazing course. Short tees are only offered on 7 holes, and even they are brutal... "Hey, is that John Houck laughing at me in the distance?" It sure feels like it.

Not much around the area, so come prepared. On our 30 minute drive to get here, we saw maybe one gas station and a food truck. Unfortunately, the pro shop was closed last fall due to covid, not sure of the current situation and no fault at all of the course. Just would've been cool to see.

Other Thoughts:

One of the first tournaments I ever watched on YouTube was when Ricky Wysocki won the HOF Classic in 2013. WR Jackson, along with all of the IDGC, has been at the top of my wishlist ever since.

It doesn't come much closer for me to giving it a 5.0 - I'd easily give it a 4.75 if I could. Even with its reputation, I'd argue that it's sub-4.5 rating shows that it is underrated overall. Though, I get why it sits at where it does.

Along with two other great courses, this is arguably the greatest disc golf destination there is. Of everywhere I've been, this and Selah are far and away at the top (I guess you're not too far behind either - Paw Paw). Just an FYI, my brother and I played Steady Ed and then WR Jackson in one day, followed by Jim Warner the next morning. I'd recommend playing them in that order over two days, or switch the other two courses if you are trying to squeeze them all in in one day.
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26 1
Shadrach3
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 5.5 years 318 played 306 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Pure Sport

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 27, 2022 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

A monster pro-level course that is both beautiful and a thrilling challenge of throwing. I have updated this review in April 2022 after a return visit, and I feel just as strongly as ever that this is one of the best courses anywhere.

-Amenities: Appropriate for the IDGC. Spacious concrete teepads. Signs at each pad with detailed map and info. DISCatchers, often with flags. Navigation cues are good. Course map at the start. Benches available. Of course, a bazillion practice baskets and a pro shop are available in the main area of the Center, and the Hall of Fame and Headrick Museum.

-Terrain: There may not be the jaw-dropping lake views of the other courses at the IDGC, but Jackson is a beauty in its own right. Pine forest is semi-open and grassy but still affords the pleasure of looming trees. It's a great combination of comfortable grass and shape-demanding woods that few other places can offer. Elevation is not extreme on any hole, but it's substantial on most holes. Parts of the course are extremely secluded, with no end to the quiet woods in sight.

-Navigation: No major issues after the 2019 redesign. I guess you could have a problem on (13)-(14), but there's a course map right there if you can't figure it out.

-Multi-Tees: Blue tees for advanced players and gold tees for professionals. (Sorry, no white or red.)

-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: Incredible. The combination of length and smooth, defined shaping is possibly unmatched from anything I've played, as of 260 courses. This is where Jackson gets its 5.0. Each hole is a different challenge requiring accuracy and full power, but all of them are fair and natural (not gimmicky at all). There are no repeat holes, and there are no weak links: all 18 are worthy of the finest courses.

Jackson is really long, with nine par 4's and two par 5's. All of these multi-shot holes require at least very good if not stellar throws to get par or birdie--even from the short tees. The variety is flooring. Left, right, twisty, straight; tight, moderate, loose woods; pocket and open greens; uphill, downhill, valley, ridge; creek and natural OB. I threw a lot of forehand and a lot of backhand, with all the discs in the bag.

All of these holes are great, but here are some of the most notable ones. Hole (1) is an iconic starter with a split fairway leading to a long approach with several options to get around scattered trees and have a look at the birdie 3. Hole (5) is a daunting, extraordinarily tight par-3 more than 300' through a straight tunnel. (12) is incredible, a linkage of two split fairways that combine for about 1000' from the long tees. (15) is a mesmerizing par-4 winding downhill through several groves of trees with a dropoff to a ditch close to the basket. (17)-(18) are the closers, both uphill doglegs through tight woods.

To the student of disc flight patterns, Jackson is incredibly satisfying. It matches the natural physics of flying discs incredibly well - yet for that, it's still a challenge to rise to.

-Additional Courses: Both Headrick and Warner on site are great courses as well. I have them rated 4.5 and 4.0, respectively. I definitely recommend making a day of it, if you have the stamina to play over 20,000' of courses at once.

Cons:

Some things go with the territory of a championship-level course.

-Difficulty: This will probably beat down everybody, except the finest pros. Forgiveness is not a part of the course. I played at the beginning of my bagging career and two years later, and the best stretch of nine holes I managed was a +1. Please, please, please don't bring any beginners, and don't bring any rec or intermediate players unless they're happy to shoot for bogey on many holes. The length precludes birdies for anyone throwing less than 300' confidently.

-Stamina: The course is really long, so you'll make more throws than average and they'll often be full energy. Expect to be worn out, and expect to take a long time to get through.

-Rough/Disc Loss: Some of the rough was pretty thick in 2020, but cleaned up a lot for a Major in 2022. My partner and I didn't search more than 3 minutes for any disc in 2020, and I had zero struggles playing solo recently. I'd say that the only holes to really watch out for are (3), (8), and (11).

-No 9 & 9: If you want beg for mercy from Jackson and opt out early, the first real chance to get back to the parking lot is after (13). But who's going to play only half of an IDGC course anyway?

-Pay to Play: Depending on your PDGA status, $8-$10 for all day access to the courses. Totally worth it just for Jackson.

Other Thoughts:

Jackson was far and away the best course I'd ever played until I went to Harmony Bends and Idlewild. Even after those iconic courses, Jackson stands as Best of Best. These holes require the epitome of disc throwing, and it's exhilarating to see yourself succeed. The design and environment make this the sport side of disc golf in pure form. Don't pass it up!
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26 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 652 played 629 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Augusta Needs Too Learn How To Share. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 22, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

(4.514 Rating) A monster course that will have Recreational players begging for mercy... and it was just made even more challenging late Summer 2018.
- DESIGN - When I think of a championship style layout, I image a course like this one. One fabulous fairway design after another. It requires a player's complete game. Power. Finesse. Hole Management and risk reward analysis. I don't think Houck got the primo section of the park, but he got the largest chunk and he used it magnificently. My favorite fairway designs were (1), (old 10, now new 14) and (18). I thought (18) was a dazzling way to punctuate a layout. An enormous valley bomb with fairway line options to choose from. Then the wide tunnel up-shot twists to the right and then back left. The top Pros will be gunning for 3s, but the chums like me will be thrilled with a 5.
- CHALLENGING - I played the Gold tees on Jackson as I wanted to see for myself what a top pro plays. From looking at the recent 2017 World Championship scores, it turns out that my modest +8 would have netted a 921 round rating. Even par at that event drew a rating of 976 and some guy named Wysocki shot -13 for a 1071. To me, this is championship caliber. All the lines at Jackson are hittable to score well. It just takes a lot of smart talented play to do so. On my July 2018 round, I got a bit lost in my transition between (7) and (8) and ended up playing one of the new holes across the path. Not sure what hole was it was, but it was long, a bit more open and had no basket. From comparing the data, the course I played was 9,681 feet and it's now 10,485 feet with the same par of 68. The shorty holes in the latter middle are gone. I can only imagine that this course got another two throws more difficult.
- UNIQUENESS - A par 68 layout with plenty of par 4s and a couple par 5s. Numerous doglegs and twisting fairways. Several multi-lane fairways and a plethora of tunnel fairways. Elevation is deceptively more than one would think. The final hole probably dives 40 feet down from the tee, only to rise back up 60 feet over the hole's 726 foot long fairway. Several other plays change by over 30 feet and I personally enjoyed all the undulations.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Stunning. The eye candy begins on hole (1) with a calendar worthy designed fairway with layered obstacles. Old hole (8), new (12), is a pleasing multi-fairway par 5. Unfortunately for some, the shorter par 3s, old holes (11), (12) and (13) are gone. Although I have not seen the new layout map, from knowing the old map and which holes remain, new (16) is likely a neat shot that crosses the creek. Nearly every fairway is sculpted threw heavy woods and the land's best features are used to the fullest. As of this review, with 310 courses in the bag, I'd put Jackson in my top 15 for beauty.
- CHARACTER - The basics on the course are well above average. The tees are great. 4 feet by 12 feet and tapering to 6 feet wide in back. Several newly poured front tees bringing that total to seven. Every back tee had seating, and most of them are shaded. The only layout of the three courses to rock DISCatchers and they were all in beautiful shape.
- SIGNAGE AND NAVIGATION - Great large course map posted at the entrance of the layout, although this is likely to be outdated as of the posting of this review. Even the IDGC home page doesn't have the new layout map posted yet. The tee signs looked great and were accurate. There are navigational posts between most baskets and next tees. My only grip is that I wish the navigational posts had hole #'s indicated on them. The course appears to be somewhat cart friendly.
- FACILITES - The extras away from the course are over the top. I guess that seems fitting for the PDGA headquarters. There's a huge pro shop. A comfortable air conditioned lounge area. A museum with one of Headrick's ash infused discs. There's vending and grills, a huge shelter, picnic tables and a 5 practice basket warm-up field. The combination of all of these features on and off the course very much added to my experience.
- MAINTENANCE - The whole IDGC is in wonderful shape. It appears crews rotate maintenance between the courses, so it's hard to imagine that one could show up here with horrible unkempt fairways unless continuous rains kept mowing from occurring weeks on end.
- LOCATION - 54 high quality holes in one location. This place is a whole day destination.

Cons:

A big boy course, so it's not geared for the average Joe.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - I would not have enjoyed this course in my first year playing and possibly also my second year. Way too much power and precision is required. The fairway widths are more than fair to the higher skilled, but there are still a lot trees to weave around. Pinging a tree in the wrong direction will lead to 1 to 10 minute searches. I personally spent 20 to 25 minutes looking for errant shots. For Recreational level players throwing the backs, they will probable finish 15 to 25 over. Considering the updated layout distances, myself as an intermediate, might average 10 to 12 over from the backs. Although there are now front tees on 7 holes, even with this, I'd say the short layout reads as middle Advanced level. Please don't play this course unless you are ready or are ok with getting a beat-down. For those that don't like the long grueling courses, their best bet at the IDGC will be the Headrick short layout.
- PAY TO PLAY - I think I paid three dollars for the general park entrance fee and another three bucks for the daily greens fee as I'm a PDGA members. (Non-PDGA members have higher daily greens fees.) 100 percent worth it for this course by itself, but I could see this as a deterrent to some.
- TIME PLAY - I spent nearly two hours trying to tackle this one and it no doubt requires the most time to complete of the three courses. Figure 3 to 3 1/2 hours for a foursome.

Other Thoughts:

I played Jackson second after Warner and it was the only layout here that I threw from the back tees. Wow, what an experience. One of my all-time favorite courses and now I have go back because there are 6 new holes to check out. Jackson is so good, it would be in my favorites among my favorites list. The test of my skills was exhilarating. The challenges presented were awe inspiring. The punishment was take-able with a smile, knowing that better result was achievable. It's really not fair for the residents of Augusta to have this many awesome courses in their area. Hey Augusta, I'll trade you Dublin Park, Drake springs and Greenbrier in Huntsville for the Jackson Course. No? Ok what about just hole (18) on the Jackson Layout? No? Ok, how about just the big tee surface area??? Seriously though, if you are a skilled played who's played more than a couple of years, you need to plan a trip to the IDGC. I'd give the conglomerate of the 3 courses a 5 rating if we scored multi-layout properties that way.
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20 0
sjberry2017
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.8 years 51 played 19 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The IDGC Crown Jewel 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 18, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

18 Innova Discatchers

Onsite Pro Shop, restrooms, huge putting and upshot warm up area, and two other fantastic courses

Immaculately maintained, pretty much no litter, grass is cut regularly, woods are gorgeous

Benches on all long tees/single tees, all holes have informative and accurate tee signs

Next tee signs to aid in navigation, easy to find your way through the course.

Concrete tees

Good flow between holes, especially with the new layout (holes 2 and 7 used to be flipped)

Great balance of long and short holes, left and right doglegs, par 3, 4, and 5 holes. Requires a good, balanced game to do well

Overall great use of the creek throughout the course to create awesome risk-reward scenarios

OB is marked with ropes, makes it easy to tell if a disc is in or out

Discatchers have flags to show wind direction

Great use of elevation and mature trees

While most tees have trees defining the shot, there are few holes where trees are within 10-15 feet of the tee, so shots can be played without risk of striking the tree RIGHT THERE in front of you. Makes the course very playable, and when you do hit a tree, it's definitely your fault.

Cons:

Let's talk about the elephant in the room first: Turkey Gulch, which is more like bogey gulch. Of the three holes (11-13), the only hole I'd say is a poor design is Hole 12. 11 and 13 are just technical holes, but there are ways to play those safely for par, and birdie chances are reasonable. Hole 12, on the other hand, is rather difficult to birdie, and while a par play is somewhat easy, it involves going OB. There is a very tight window off the tee which plays along a fairway that is basically just the side of a hill to a postage stamp green with a nearly vertical hillside beside it. Any shot which hits the side of the hill is pretty much going to pick up and roll, and so eh. It's just a really frustrating hole, and not in a super hard golf way, but in a "ohmygosh this is all luck" sort of way.

Rough is super rough; a "first cut" three to five feet in would be awesome to allow shots which are slightly off to still advance a bit, rather than the all or nothing look that the course currently has.

The short tees are still a beat down, so the course isn't really accessible to new players. This being the IDGC and the Steady Ed red tees being right there, it's not that big of a deal, but were this a stand-alone course, it'd be a big drawback.

Most holes are somewhat difficult to get to, so shotgun starts can be difficult to get to the course.

Some holes play close to each other or close to walkways, so in tournaments it can be a little distracting between holes. For casual play it's not a huge deal.

A couple fairways have a few too many trees to really have a fair line. The lines are there, it's just a tad bit unreasonable to expect people to hit the landing zones just right in a controlled way (Hole 5's second shot, hole 12's tee, and hole 17's long tee come to mind)

Other Thoughts:

W.R. Jackson is the crown jewel of the three IDGC courses. There's just something about the course, when you step onto the first tee, that sets it above Steady Ed and Warner. Jackson has long, sweeping fairways playing through a wooded forest which blend short, technical woods golf with a premium on accurate distance drives. Although the course is rather long, there are only a few opportunities to really rip on a disc and let it fly. For the most part, the long holes require an accurate drive off the tee and an accurate second drive or upshot to even think about putting for a birdie, and even then the putts are not guaranteed. Even the par threes are going to require an absolute crush or miraculous long putt to get the 2 (for the most part). However, hit those lines exactly, and watch as the work is basically done for you. A birdie on any hole here feels like a true accomplishment. There are now some longer tees and shorter tees on some of the more difficult holes, but even these require a complete golf game to score well. Some of my personal favorite holes:

Hole 1: what an opening hole. The tee shot requires dodging several mature trees down the fairway, with either a straight to fade shot or anny flex shot required from the RHBH thrower to be in position to attack the second shot. The second shot is more of the same, but the trees are positioned now to define the access points to the basket. The green is one of the more tame greens on the course, with only a slight roll to the hill to provide a subtle change in elevation depending on where your disc lands.

Hole 2: Honestly, this is just such a fun tee shot.

Hole 4: The tees play down to a landing zone, with a smaller sweet spot but room to work if you don't hit it exactly. There are then two fairways to a pin on a hillside. Hyzers will tend to stick.

Hole 8: The first chance to really open up and rip a drive, Hole 8 plays down two rather open fairways to a meeting point. Don't let the width of the fairway fool you though, drift too far left or right and you'll lose a butt-ton of distance and be out of position. Once at the meeting point, you can either play another large fairway around to the pin, or take the much tighter straight shot to the pin. A ditch in front of the green and trees behind the pin making landing your shot well a must.

Hole 14 is a huge dogleg right off the tee. Throw a safe RHFH to get in position, or go big or go home with a massive sky anny distance shot. Fairway then plays up, over, and down a hill to a guarded green.

Hole 15 is a major risk-reward play. Throw a RHFH to get into position for an easy par, or try to pipe the fairway to get a look at an upshot for the birdie. The stream on the right plays OB, so be careful to not fade out early (I birdied it this past weekend for the first time ever by going forehand-forehand, so that is a play as well).

Hole 18: A monstrous par 5 to finish the round off, hole 18 is a fantastic finishing hole. The tee plays off one side of a hill, with the fairway following that hill down and the next hill back up. Trees off the tee dictate either a tight straight to fade shot to skip up the hill, or an anny flex or forehand shot to get into position. From there, you need to get to the top of the hill and a hard dogleg right, which plays along a tight fairway to a green with a faint left to right slope which gives forehand shots a huge skip out.

Overall, WR Jackson is a fantastic course. While a couple of the holes may have incredibly tight gaps or play along almost impossible to hit fairways, by and large this well manicured course has a lot to offer. If you can have a plan and play somewhat conservative on those holes, the rest are a blast. Every tee offers a unique look, and the combination of shots can't be beat. Overall, WR Jackson is definitely a must play course at the IDGC and in the Augusta area.
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12 1
djtripp20
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 60 played 36 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Pretty much perfect 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 7, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

What can I say... this is pretty much the perfect disc golf course. It's insanely technical, has abundant length, and will test your skills as much as any other. There is elevation, risk/reward shots, clearly defined OB, concrete teepads, and just tons of fun.

Expect to throw just about every shot in your bag. Long straight drives, fades, turns, backhands, forehands, overhands... all of it. If you're a rec-intermediate level player, this place will probably chew you up... but it's fun. It feels good to get whooped by this course because if you can actually do good, it feels so much better.

Everything you need is here:

- Dedicated staff at facility
- Pro shop on site
- Plentiful parking
- Maintained grounds
- Tee signs on each hole
- Next tee direction markers after each basket
- Benches and shade coverings if waiting at teepad
- Practice area for putting and approaches
- Scorecards, etc available in pro shop

Cons:

There really aren't many cons to speak of... maybe just the toughness of the course. You may also come across some wildlife such as snakes and spiders out there. If nothing else I would like to see this course have a couple of open holes. Every hole is unique, but they are all in the woods. That said, being in the woods is what this course is all about, so it's a total "nice to have" request in my opinion.

Also some of the holes run through a pretty tough section where discs can easily roll away into a small ravine. You can throw a great shot but just get unlucky with the lie. Watch the 2017 Worlds coverage and you'll see what I mean.

Other Thoughts:

This is one course of three at the IDGC... and probably the toughest of the three. WR Jackson is one of my favorite courses out there. Many of the holes were lengthened for the recent Worlds tournament. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the Augusta area. To make it a real adventure, camp in Wildwood Park (where the course is located). Reservations can be made online.
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14 0
Chained Evil
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.8 years 1088 played 227 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Picturesque, long, technical, elevated goodness 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 21, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Signage is great, providing the player with all the necessary info, hole layout, distance, OB, etc. Tee pads are ample and allow for a proper run up.
Highly visible Innova Discatcher baskets. Good directional arrows to keep you on the right path. Trash cans and benches throughout the course.
Solid mix of dog leg L an R playing holes. Great mix of short, moderate, and longer holes.
Good solid lines that need to be hit in order to score well but aren't so unforgiving that you can't redeem yourself to save par. Great elevation changes to keep things interesting.
This course has both up and down playing holes as well. Threat of roll a way putts are present giving a few holes that added pucker factor.
Holes 11-13 give you a bit of a break from the long holes and will offer you some chances to pick up some birdies.
This course has length to several holes and is the longest course on the complex.
This is a John Houck designed course so you know its going to be solid.

Cons:

Some of the transitions between holes were a bit lengthy like 2's basket to 3's tee, 7's basket to 8's tee. This slows the flow of the round down a bit but its not a deal breaker.
Some of the gulleys, which are OB, are a bit steep so getting your disc back and then getting back up to flat land could be treacherous. Please use caution.
These cons are minor however.

Other Thoughts:

This is one of 3 courses that can be found at the International Disc Golf Center. It is pay to play, $3, and is the bargain of the year and totally worth it. This course has the most length of the 3 courses on the complex. I have played several courses over the years and this course was one of the best challenges that I have faced to date. The variance in the elevation changes, and the technical shots that each hole presented, along with the length of many of the holes will test all aspects of your game. There are some holes where you have to have some good distance in order to set yourself up for the next shot but its not wide open. You will need to hit your lines in order to score well here.
I found myself being challenged both mentally and physically and I didn't mind one bit. I would drive back from Kansas in a heartbeat to play any one of these 3 courses.
Do yourself a favor and plan a trip to the IDGC and play all 3 of the courses in this complex. Make a day of it and tour the Disc Golf Hall of Fame and PDGA headquarters which are on site. If you love quality disc golf and the history of the game then this place will be heaven to you. I can't wait until I can return someday and relive this experience. So worth it.
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1 10
ROTFLandmines
Experience: 13.7 years 15 played 11 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Worth the trip 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 2, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great design
very well maintained

Cons:

N/A

Other Thoughts:

The whole IDGC experience is extremely unique, and the course design is fantastic. Id definitely recommend taking the trip just for the experience.

That being said, this was my favorite course out of the three. It was extremely challenging, but never felt repetitive or too punishing.
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10 0
hellbound
Experience: 15.8 years 91 played 17 reviews
4.50 star(s)

What every course should be 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 26, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Great uses of land that challenges and rewards for successful landings scrambles.

Far ob with some challenging slopes baskets play on or near.

Benches, Score cards, pencils are all added bonuses.

90% of the holes are of beautiful quality and make you wish that you lived closer.

Feel like a pro when you hit your lines.

2 other courses on the property. With Jackson being the best followed by ed.

Cons:

Few of the holes are lack luster but how can you really build a championship course that has all the holes 5.0 quality without a tweener here and there?

I only list this as a con for some people pay to play. I don't mind paying to play. Keeps the chucker from ruining the experience.

So much course its hard to enjoy everything in one day.

Other Thoughts:

I always find it hard to review a course. Everyone is looking for top of the top, over inflating, and just unexperince to multiple types of courses. Jackson in its own right is up at the top with course like flip city, maple hill and others that come to mind. Granted I have only played one of the top 10 courses in the United States but cant underestimate the quality and attention Jackson gets.

Set on a County Park the IDGC hosts three top level courses with Jackson in my mind the center piece of the jewel. Par 4 and more await you as you attempt to master a course that a meer average golfer could get discouraged and left scratching your head. Hole one starts you out easy and leaves a feel good feeling until the fun begins. As you move on deep and deep holes start to punish you, hyzers, anhyzers, pitchouts and forehands await. Even at one point you head back up to the IDGC and leave yourself wondering if I will attempt the rest of the round.

Of all the holes at the property hole 10 stands out the most to me. You stand on the tee box just outside the proshop and look back into the woods. Its an overwhelming feeling in my book and makes me wonder what its like to play MPO at big events.

If your ever in the area I would make a stop and try to knock out two courses. Make sure to play Jackson first before the others. You will thank me later.
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11 0
lazrman778
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.1 years 264 played 100 reviews
5.00 star(s)

IDGC - WR Jackson Memorial DGC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 17, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Has concrete tee pads with notches carved across

Has benches throughout the course

Has excellent tee signs (signs look better than the ones posted on this site)

Some holes have multiple lines to the basket

Has next tee signs posted throughout

More wooded than open fairways with doglegs and elevations

Challenging, long course with variety of pars (6 par 3s, 9 par 4s, 3 par 5s)

Nice scenery

Water comes into play on almost half of the holes where there's little risk in losing a disc due to the shallow creek

Has two loops of the front and back nines

Had whole course to myself on a Thursday afternoon

Has a storm shelter

Well-maintained

Has practice baskets from different manufacturers

Cons:

Long course can be demanding and intimidating to those not ready for a challenge

Aside from the course already being long, some may find the long walks between holes as a con but I feel that there's good separation between them as the layout makes most of the hilly terrain and creek

Pay to play but worth it

Other Thoughts:

This is the last of the three challenging scenic courses at IDGC that I enjoyed playing. This course is the one that I will compare other courses to as I have ranked this as my first 5.0 - Best of the Best. This course is the site of the Hall of Fame Classic held here every two years. After watching the world's top pros play here, this course was a test to compare on how well I can perform when playing this gold level tournament quality course. I can say that I have more appreciation more than ever in watching them play now! It truly is challenging and will require almost every kind of shot to shoot a low score here. This course will emphasize on control and shot placement on most holes since there's only six par 3s here. The course takes advantage of its hilly terrain and creek to make a challenging layout. I haven't recall ever playing on a hole with a figure 8 pattern before I played hole #8. Playing on holes #12 and #13 were probably the most difficult par 3s that I ever played due to the tight window and the slope towards the creek. The long course and the additional walking between holes can take a toll on the body and therefore be a con for some players. The pay to play can dissuade some from playing but I have paid more to play a less enjoyable course before. $3 to enter the park and $3 for a PDGA member to play all day is a bargain! In the clubhouse, the pro shop sells discs from many manufacturers as well as issue out course maps and scorecards with the highlighted current pin positions. Along with the pro shop, there is a snack machine, breakroom, restrooms, and the Hall of Fame all inside the clubhouse operating from 9am-5pm. A soda machine is located outside the clubhouse underneath the pavilion nearby. Playing this course and one of the other two on the same day makes a nice day trip.
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16 0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 548 played 429 reviews
5.00 star(s)

IDGC Presents: Action Jackson 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 5, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

WR Jackson Memorial is the longest of the 3 amazing courses at the IDGC, and is just another John Houck masterpiece. It may cause distress to the average disc golfer, but there are 18 great holes that have extremely challenging but not entirely impossible fairways. You will find trouble if you fail to execute sound throws consistently. While it can be frustrating, the constant pressure to make good throws is one of the aspects that makes me respect the course so much. Well worth the price of admission, $5 for all day access to the 3 wonderful courses on site.

As you would expect, all of the tees, signage, and baskets are top quality, as they are in all of the disc golf facilities here. A little bit of water will be in play here and there, as well as some moderate elevation change through very woodsy fairways. I won't give the hole by hole summary, but each stop along the way requires precise, accurate shots of all types. There are 6 par 4's in a row to lead off, and the longest hole on the course is 8, just to make sure the front 9 isn't taken lightly. Holes 11-13 give you a chance to make up some ground with 3 consecutive short par 3's. No pushovers, but a well placed putter throw can get you there. On the way out you will encounter 2 more par 4's, and the last hole is a great par 5. 18 is the kind of finishing hole that demands respect. Visible from the tee, but so far away you know you still have your work cut out for you. Even after taking several beatings here, I still enjoy this monster.

Cons:

Scenic, but demanding. The new player will probably not make it through a round here without some serious struggles. It is pay to play, cheapskates beware.

Other Thoughts:

I did get 2 birdies on my most recent round at Jackson. 10 and 12 gave me redemption deuces, and I missed a very makable putt on 11 for the turkey. Still wound up at +11 on the round, but enjoyed it none the less. Wish I would have visited more often when I lived in the area. Very much a destination for any disc golfer who loves to visit the very best courses. Sort of reminds me of Chester State Park in SC, but much longer, and a little more elevation change. The pro shop, and disc golf museum and wall of fame give you something interesting to look at in between rounds, and snacks and refreshments are available inside during business hours. Also there is a vending machine with water and soft drinks outside under the pavilion. A must play for any serious player who enters the vicinity.
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17 0
Peter S
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 29.8 years 165 played 32 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Wow that's hard 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 13, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Challenging with many long S shots. Lots of elevation to bomb a sky roller, thumber or any trick shot you have. Tee signs are descriptive enough and fairways are well defined on the very long holes making long recon walks not necessary. The holes are often too long to see the basket but you get the idea where to place your first shot for success. Also the score cards given out indicate pin position so you don't have to hope there is something on the sign to indicate pin position.

I had my best round ever on my most recent trip. However, WR Jackson is just so huge, long and steep it can wear you down. The fairways on some of the long holes seem plenty wide and I had some great long throws & hit intended landing spots but by the time I would climb up the steep hills to my next shot I found myself missing putts that I should make. The courses at IDGC are just known for zapping the strength & concentration right out of you. Even the short holes 12 & 13 that traverse a large valley/gulch place the baskets on steep fast greens forcing the perfect tight shot through trees that must match the angle of the hill to stick. Manage that and you still have to find the perfect putting stance on a knife edge and stick a putt. Any roll away is falling into the O.B. creek. You better have all the putting stances in your bag. This course will run a sword through any chink in the armor of your game.

It seems like aspects of these "pros" could and should be cons for some. This is very much a Gold level course. A new player will most likely kick their bag or give up after 9 holes here. I did when I was a newer player. It is the challenge that is the attraction here. Now that my player rating is over 900 I had a much better time playing this one than in years past.

I played in early October and the course just looked lovely, a touch of fall color on the leaves, the long open fairways are just picture perfect. Some of the pins seem to frame the most picturesque portions of the hills or trees they are set by.

The course loops back to the parking lot after 9 holes for a very much needed break or to restock on water. The IDGC building has a/c, a small museum, a well stocked pro shop and clean rest rooms.

Cons:

Very thick tick infested woods in some spots make trips off the fairways not fun. Thin on next tee signs in some areas.

No escalators or free porters. Seriously folks, other that getting worn out on a steep long course I cannot fault anything here. I can say some shorter tees would be nice but that would detract from the course. This is Gold level, take it or leave it.

Other Thoughts:

Often reviews say you have to throw every disc or shot in your bag. I carried about 20 discs and for the first time I actually used every one. Not only that, I used every shot in my skill set.

Make sure your dog's tick meds are up to date if you bring Fido.

Rating: I rated a 5 for my first time ever! For the over 135 courses I have played this is the biggest and best course I have ever played.

$5.00 to play all day on 3 great courses is a nice bang for your buck.
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5 22
Reb3times
Experience: 8.1 years 7 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

LOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 26, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

If you're a long shot, this is your course. Many holes offer the chance at back to back long shots to have a chance at a birdie.

Good use of the rolling terrain in the area. No two shots are the same.

Concrete tee pad.

Cons:

Only one tee option.

Can be a brutally long course for newer players with less skill and accuracy.

Other Thoughts:

This is one to come back to time and time again to test your own skills against the course. You will need accurate long shots in order to score well here. If you go a little errant, there are plenty of trees to make you pay. The course can easily be played as 9 since the 1st and 10th tee box is next to the IDGA HQ and parking lot. Might suggest you take something to retrieve disc with because several holes have steep ditches with creeks in them that are not easily accessible, however they can easily come into play. If you don't have anything, mother nature has provided lots of dead fall in the area to use in an effort to retrieve a sunken disc. Oh, and keep a very close eye out for everyone's favorite zero legged friends.
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10 1
Discgolffiend
Experience: 18.8 years 7 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Hard but fun! And what a bargain! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 10, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Played all three courses for $3 entrance fee. Bargain.

Some of the par 4's and 5's through the woods here are epic, every line worked out to perfection. As with all houck designs the thought that has gone into every single detail is immense. He's a master of the par 4's and 5's

Tough tough course, you've got to work so hard to stay on the fairways and hit the lines to attack for birdies, and there is no shame from coming away without any. it's a true Gold standard course. great challenge, not one to bring a first timer!

Rough is tough but fair, you should find your discs even on the worst of ricochets
.
Great amenities in the park and two other gold standard courses on site.

Cons:

I love most of the holes - I love par 4 and 5 golf and this isn't just lengthened par 3's but well thought out landing zones and multiple routes. It's Houck at his best.

Apart from hole 3 and 12/13.

3 - It's just frustrating. I like a par 4 where a driver off the tee isn;t an option but this hole I just can't see where the separation in scoring will come from.

I tried just about everything in the bag to get a good look at an Eagle, best I had was some weird backhand roller that I don't think I could ever replicate which gave me about a 90' upshot. The worst results were bad. Very bad. The only sensible option off the tee was a standstill putter hyzer have a 150' upshot take the three. Going for a 2 was a hiiiiigh chance of 4, 5, or worse. but taking the three was ridiculously easy with just a bail out off the tee. Couldn't see the reward for trying anything more, Disappointed with this one.

Now 12/13 (I'm calling it that as they are basically the same hole). Hmmm. I carry a lot of putters, both are a lovely length for a putter on a straight shot with a soft non skippy landing possibly if I could shape it with a slight anny to match the slope of the land.

But it's a total crap shoot when you land as to what's going to happen. I threw them all, I threw them all again, most stuck for easy 2's a fewkicked and rolled OB for 4's' 5's (I assumed the creek was OB) Couldn't tell you any difference between the good or bad. One hit the pole and went OB after tottering on its end for an eternity. Too much punishment totally down to the luck of the gods.

Two holes that could be hugely improved with a levelled landing zone around the basket or a retaining wall/logs 15' to the right of the basket, outside that fine, no issues with rolling in the water. It's the pretty much perfectly placed shots where luck is key.

It's also a shame that 3 short par 3's are squeezed together in the middle of the course.

Misses a standout feature in the land - creek is nice, and use of the terrain is superb, but you don't come away with a wow experience.

Honestly and it seems petty reading it but the tees sign graphics are boring and give no idea of the drama awaiting you. Would love to see a bit more detail on them and for more measurements - how far to that gap, that split etc. I'm pretty sure some of the measurements are wildly off anyway so maybe that wouldn't be much use!

Edit* it was over 2 years ago I played this so maybe the graphics have changed reading some of the reviews below. My memory of them was yes they would tell me it was a dog leg, but that was it, no indication of the tightness of anything else? I just like lots of info on tee signs!

Other Thoughts:

Reading back my cons seems to outweigh the pros. So ignore my moaning. The course is excellent, the design is nearly all as good as it can be and you'll hugely enjoy your time playing here.
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3 2
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 202 played 200 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Bring the big guns. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 6, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

The only word for this one is Long. It's an amazing course great teepads that are long a tapered with texture. There are only one set unlike the other courses at the IDGC.

The holes are varied with multiple lines even though most of it is very wooded.

It has more space than the other courses but less water and elevation.

Great Innova Discatcher baskets with thoughtful placement, and a couple of nerve rattling putts.

Signs were really helpful and an almost every location.

Cons:

A little repetitive with all of the long punishing holes.

I saw like 4 snakes not a con per se but be careful.

Other Thoughts:

Gold level pro course that you need to bring your A game to play.

Not the most fun course I've ever played but one of the best tests of skill.
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13 2
prerube
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.8 years 274 played 235 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Floyd Mayweather of Disc Golf Courses 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 24, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a top notch Gold Course. There are very few courses that have this level of challenge and even less with a distance of over 9,000 feet.

Nice signage, good concrete tees, top notch baskets, signs to guide you to the next tee.

Map on Kiosk as well as paper maps and score cards available.

11 holes over 500 feet.

Lots of elevation and variety. This course will require every shot in your arsenal. Multiple lines on every hole, but you need to be able to hit one of those lines.

Facility Pros:
Air conditioned lounge where you can watch disc golf on a flat screen while you rest.
Pro shop that sells a wide variety of discs, clothes, and even saved my round by selling Advil.
Vending Machine that dispenses 38 degree drinks.
2 other courses on site
Disc Golf Museum.

Cons:

Course was designed for one level of player with no options for lower levels. This is not a course you are going to bring a group of buddies to on a road trip unless your buddies are all 950 rated players.

Course started with a single concrete pad covered in sand.

The grass was getting very high on the fairway and the rough is not very forgiving.

The walk from 7 to 8 was pretty long.

Hole 11 was my only duece, and it was an accident. I was aiming at the visable 13 basket and faded too early to park hole 11.

Flow struggled a little between 9 and 10. Hole 10 is in the middle of the back yard,

Other Thoughts:

This course was like sparring with Floyd Mayweather. You know you are going to get your butt kicked, but you are just glad to be in the ring enjoying the few good hits you can sneak in. Hole 8 was one of the hardest holes I played, then Hole 10 made me think maybe that was the hardest hole. 14 was crazy too and 18 finishes with a 716 foot heavily wooded uphill shot.

If the grass were mowed I might be persuaded to give this course a 4.5.

This course rivals any other courses longest layouts. Top level players will be in heaven here. Recreational players will need to bring a lap counter to keep track of their score.
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Discette
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.6 years 657 played 64 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Most Challenging Course at the IDGC 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 21, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I had the honor of playing this course at the Tim Selinske US Masters in 2010 and again for the United States Women's Disc Golf Championships. This is the longest and most challenging course at the IDGC.


I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.

Pros

IDGC -Worth the Trip
IDGC is a disc golf destination with three excellent disc golf courses on site. The IDGC houses the PDGA headquarters, Pro Shop and Disc Golf museum. Players can pick up custom discs and shirts in the pro shop. There is a large warm up area and putting green of the back deck of the IDGC building. Fun and amazing place to warm up before the epic rounds begin. The WR Jackson course is the longest of the three courses.

Par 69
This is a beautiful and challenging Par 69 Championship course. The best part of the design is that it requires placement shots from players off the tee and on the fairway. If you are playing more than one course at the IDGC, plan to play this course when you are fresh as it is long and requires a lot of energy.

Two Nines
I love that the front and back nine both start from next to the IDGC building. This means you can stop by your car or the Pro shop on your way from 9 to 10. Or you can start the round on Hole 10 and play the back nine first. It is great to be able to take a small break between nines.

Multiple Routes
This really is a thinking man's course. Many of the holes have divided fairways. Players can choose if they would like to traverse the hole to the left, right, or the middle. Multiple fairways adds to the challenge as the more times you play the course, the more you are tempted to try the alternate routes.

Exclusive to Disc Golf
As with all courses at the IDGC, the course is reserved just for disc golf. You never have to worry about some random jogger, dog walker or picnicker in your fairway. If you see anyone but a disc golfer on the course, one of you is lost.

Wooded and hilly
This course is the most wooded of the three. However, it does have nice open wide grassy fairways on most of the holes. The rolling terrain means there are elevation changes on many of the holes. This course is really a great use of the land and highlights the beauty. You feel miles away from the world while playing here.

Water Holes
There are no lake holes on WR Jackson, but water can come into play from the small stream winding through the course. Players should have no problem retrieving discs that go into the creek, unless it just rained and the water is high.

DISCatchers, Signs and Benches
There are signs on all tees with basic graphics and hole information. Many of the holes also have benches. Hole 8 has a really nice shelter area. This course uses DISCatcher Targets. The yellow band on the targets makes them easy to spot in the woods.

Restrooms
IDGC has restrooms while open. The course is heavily wooded, so there are plenty of opportunities for privacy during the round.

Parking - First Tee
The IDGC has a large parking area. Follow the signs for disc golf when you enter. You should be able to spot a target or two on your way in. . Park on the left side of the lot so you can stop by the car from 9 to 10. The first tee for WRJackson is behind the IDGC on the left side of the practice area.

Worth the entry fee
The courses are free to play, but the park has a daily entry fee per vehicle. A small price to pay to enjoy such an epic disc golf experience.

Cons:

Championship Course
As mentioned by others, the stretch of holes from 11 to 13 seem quite out of place. This is a premier Championship Level course and IMHO, this stretch is not to that level. These holes are also randomly punitive in tournament play. Casual players do not have to play the creek and across as OB for more enjoyment.

Routing
There are a couple of long and potentially confusing walks during the round.

Guardian Trees
I am not of fan of guardian trees. Many holes on WRJ have a group of tree surrounding or among the 10 meter putting circle. This means you finally get down a 600 or 700 foot hole, only to find a couple of trees guarding the route to the target.

Other Thoughts:

Pay to Play
While the courses are actually free to play, you do have to pay a fee to enter the park. The entry fee is well worth it.

Worth the trip
Some things are worth repeating. The IDGC is worth the trip. You get to experience three top notch courses in a top notch facility. Everything you would expect in a disc golf destination.

Lake with Camping
The park has a lake with day use areas, beaches, boat ramps and overnight camping. There are several campground areas available with many spots right on the lake. You can go swimming off Hole Holes 4 and 5 on the Steady Ed course in search of your lost discs.

IDGC is a 5 disc destination and the challenge and setting of WR Jackson is 5. The amenities and experience are all 5 discs. This course earns a 4.5 as it just misses the highest mark.
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