Ringgold, GA

Jack Mattox Recreation Complex

2.925(based on 31 reviews)
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9 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 202 played 200 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Good place to stretch your legs and midranges

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

When I think of a decent 9 hole course I would want to play, this is basically what I'm hoping for. You throw a mix of open and mildly wooded shots mainly in between 200-300ft. Nice setting with a pond(that never really comes into play) and large hardwoods with some lowish branches dotting the property.

The land slopes downhill from the parking area and you play up and down that slope. Which makes for a few open shots being wind prone though the final and most wooded three are largely unaffected.

Baskets are elderly chainstars but balanced fine and caught well. Pads were plenty big and had the tee signs built into the back corner, though on a muggy spring day the dew obscured some of them.

Cons:

It's a little 9 hole course that is on a smallish property. No long holes, they didn't use the pond at all(might not have been able too since the walking paths are so close) and some of the early holes are a bit boring.

With the land they have I can't gripe a ton, it's a good little course but isn't inspiring.

New baskets would be cool, but not critical at this time.

Other Thoughts:

The vibes are great here and the shots are fairly fun, I would happily run through it again when in the area.
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8 0
Shadrach3
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 5.5 years 318 played 306 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Putting the "Typical" back in Typical 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 16, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

About as typical a nine-hole course as you could concoct.

-Amenities: Concrete tees are typical size, and have hole number and distance engraved on them (which is adequate for a course this straightforward). Ancient Chainstars catch at about a typical consistency.

-Variety: A bit above average for a 9-holer, and about typical for all courses. Distance ranges from sub-200' to 330' uphill. Terrain has variety too, with some typical open holes, some moderate woods, and some pockets of trees. Also, a typical amount of hills, and one elevated basket on (6).

-Gameplay: A lot of typical par 3 lines. Shapes are generally straight, but there's flexibility to throw your favorite BH or FH line on many holes. The first six are generally open but feature some trees in the fairways (on (1) and (3)) or guarding the basket ((2) and especially (4)) that force some minimal shot shaping but don't really punish. You may have one real chance to drive on the 330' uphill hole (6). The last three go into woods with spacious fairways, substantial elevation features, and slight potential for trouble--two straight woods shots and one trickier hyzer.

-"Friendly": My label for the combination of easy-to-play, navigable without a map, well kept up, and hard-to-lose-discs.

-Ace Runs: I ran several baskets in my round. I suspect local players could find their first hole-in-one here.

Cons:

Jack Mattox doesn't really climb above typical in any respect.

-Length: Bomber distance has no place here. For players that good, it will be upshot practice.

-Lack of Challenge: As a rec player I finished with a turkey to go well under par. The shaping is very generous so that only terrible shots will get punished. There's also so much open ground that you're rarely forced into a specific type of shot. Maybe (9) forces the RHBH hyzer, but otherwise you always have the choice of route.

-No Extras: i.e. no practice basket, no multi-pin placement.

Other Thoughts:

As you can gather, I reckon this course is squarely typical. It caters well to rec level players, presents decent distance and terrain variety, and should make a very fine practice course for locals. Just don't come here expecting anything more than a typical course.
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11 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 652 played 629 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Rockin' Down The Highway 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 28, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

(2.034 Rating) A lightly wooded novice level course.
- FUN FACTOR - Jack Mattox is the perfect place to bring three friends and a six-pack. There are ample opportunities for birdies and some putter ace runs. Errant throws are generally not further punished. The odds of losing a disc is near zero and for the most part, no searching in overgrowth areas. The flow of the course is pretty smooth as well.
- NAVIGATION - There was a mailbox filled with score cards and pens on my visit. On the scorecard was an accurate map of the layout. Although the tees have no marker above ground, as the tee sign is embedded in the concrete, the layout is open enough that using the scorecard map to locate the next tee is easy.
- THE BASICS - Nice 5 foot by 10 foot concrete tees and good baskets, Chainstars. It's always a nice start when a course has the appropriate core items.
- QUICK PLAY - A single should be able to complete a round in about 25 minutes when the course is empty. Groups of 4 should probably finish in about 45 minutes in normal conditions.
- LOCATION - A five minute drive from I75. Perfect for a freeway stop between courses.
- MAINTENANCE - The grounds appear to be constantly mowed, trimmed and manicured and there are a proper amount garbage cans.

Cons:

No playability issues with Jack Mattox, but the layout definitely lacks variety and challenge.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - Only Novice level challenges are present. Recreation players should have no problem being under course par. Intermediate and Advanced players should routinely be 4 to 7 down and should be able to throw all birds if played enough. There are a few slightly challenging lines on the last 3 holes, but all these lines are short enough for a veteran player to clean up a misfire for an easy par.
- UNIQUENESS - There are three holes without a tree in play. Three other holes are lightly wooded and the remaining three are wide laned moderately wooded holes. All of the holes play straight. There are no water plays. No pars 4s or 5s. Hole (6) is the longest being 330 feet and its slightly uphill and it's a raised basket. There are a few nice swales around baskets that could bring into play some minor putting elevation.
- LACK OF ELEVATION - Its used a little bit here and there. Total elevation change on site is probably 30 feet. However, there are no shots that rise or fall, basket to tee, by more than 15 feet. Hole (7) and (8) play across a valley that dips 15 feet or so, but the pin is generally located at the same level as the tee. It would been nice to have had at least one hole that played up, and one that played down, on a more aggressive slope. On positive note, at least it's easy to roll around a cart on this one.
- CHARACTER - Other than nice baskets and tees, the comfort items and extras are mostly absent. No multi tees or alternate basket placements. Only one picnic table for seating on tee (3). Tee shading is 50/50. No shelter or practice basket.
- SPACING - About average. If the course were full, there would be a few tees that could be reached by an errant throw because of little tree protection. Also, a few fairways feel fringe shared.

Other Thoughts:

A very beginner friendly layout that will work really good for newer players looking to improve their game or for those with a bit more skill looking to have a fun and easy going round. Definitely not a destination course but this layout would be a good choice for those day tripping along I75 looking to add an easy going warm-up round before hitting The Sinks or Camp Jordan.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - The roar of I75 traffic can be heard the entire time, hence my Doobie Brother's reference in the review title. There are also a bunch of open to lightly wooded plays and ball fields are in view on a few holes. There are some good elements however. The last 3 holes (7-9), make this course much better. This stretch has some really good charm with the mini creek, valley and wooded canopy high above. In totality I scored the course about average.
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4 0
benwilly
Experience: 10.8 years 28 played 14 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Pretty decent beginer course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 5, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

-nice tee pads and chains
-decent directions pointing to the next tee
-trash cans through out the course
-open holes making it a good beginner course

Cons:

-all holes are straight from the tee offs
-some of the signs on the tee pads are fading so it can be hard to read
-not a course for advanced players
-not a huge variety in distances for each hole
-short distances on every hole

Other Thoughts:

A good course for beginners looking to enhance their skills
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2 0
Hyzer_Monkey
Experience: 9.7 years 22 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Perfect for beginners 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 7, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

- easy, open course that is great for young children and newer players.
- for the advanced player throwing by themselves or introducing newer players to the game, it is a good place to practice different flight paths to a basket.

Cons:

- Jogging path runs close to the DG course and you must watch out for joggers (especially Senior citizens walking).
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7 0
FlyingSouthDG
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.9 years 48 played 26 reviews
2.50 star(s)

The Chattanooga Area Beginner's Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 11, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Simple course layout perfect even for first-time visitors.
- Concrete tees and baskets are in great condition.
- Easy course, you can certainly play well with little frustration, but this also has its negative side... *
- Clean complex, free of trash and graffiti.
- Fairway conditions well maintained, grass is cut.
- All holes are a par 3 which makes for easy score-keeping.
- Very quick course, can be played by almost anyone in about half an hour.

Cons:

- Lack of variety; as aforementioned in previous reviews, the first six holes are very spacious and then the final three take you through a moderately wooded area, making for a predictable round.
- *For the intermediate and professional players, this course may very well be too easy.
- There is only one tee to every one basket, which can be rather typical, and it seems as though this will not be changing any time soon.
- Be weary of the walking track around the complex, a stray disc may wind up closer to the track than you think.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course last weekend for the sole purpose of getting my cousin excited about the sport. Jack Mattox is definitely the place to bring beginners because it is easy to play and easy to have fun. I finished in just under par (-1) and my cousin was one stroke behind me on almost every hole. I would definitely recommend this course to all beginners and intermediate players in the greater Chattanooga area. For professionals and travelers, I recommend researching other courses as well.
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5 0
doddworley
Experience: 4 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice little course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 31, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clean, well-maintained. Nice pads with distance etched in the concrete. No markers but finding the next tee was not an issue. It is a fun little course you can play in about 20 minutes.

Cons:

Only 9 holes, they are simple and pretty much straight-forward. Requires little thought or technique. Interstate can be a distraction on a few of the holes.

Other Thoughts:

First six holes are wide open, but the last three are wooded. Loved the last three holes.
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3 2
carpan09
Experience: 11.7 years 322 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Too short 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

1. Nice clean course
2. You can finish in 20 minutes
3. Almost no places to lose discs
4. open with 3 wooded holes
5. occasional shade

Cons:

1. All par 3s
2. Crowded
3. people walking around the track constantly

Other Thoughts:

Good although short course that is in a good area and is woth it if you are in the Chattanooga area
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7 0
JSurmann
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.6 years 76 played 28 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Short and sweet 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 2, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is a nice, small 9 hole course that I would describe as beginner friendly. Course navigation is very easy and #9 puts you right back at the parking lot of #1. For an experienced player, it shouldn't take you longer than 30 minutes to complete a round.

Course is very clean. It is rare that I have seen any rubbish on the ground. Concrete tees are now up on each hole and all of the baskets are in perfect shape. Tee signs at each hole are accurate and display the needed information of distance.

Since this is in a county park, this gets mowed quite often and it is rarely overgrown. The three wooded holes are very cleared out and it is next to impossible to lose a disc here.

A few baskets are protected and force an accurate shot (4 & 9). Good for the advanced players. Elevation is used well, fairways are well defined, next to no overgrowth.

A great place to practice different shots.

Cons:

A few holes are a shot straight into a field with a basket. Once you play it a few times, you may get bored.

Other Thoughts:

This is in a mixed use park, with many baseball fields, a walking track and I'm sure more activities to do. Paved parking lot and easy access to I75 is nice too. While I would not call this a destination course, it is very nice for what it is, a neighborhood course.
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8 1
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 48.8 years 242 played 194 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Wish This Was My Neighborhood Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 25, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Wonderful rec/neighborhood course in beautiful, hilly north GA.

Nice concrete pads with hole # and distance, and nice baskets.

Very easy to navigate.

The 1st 6 holes are on a very nice and well-maintained grass field with enough trees to force some shot shaping. The last 3 holes are in a light woods with hills and valleys.

There are enough picnic tables and garbage cans.

The course is very close to I-75. Getting a quick round in to stretch your legs here is highly recommended.

Friendly locals.

Cons:

This is a multi-use park, and there is a jogging track that runs around the course. Children also play in the park, so care must be taken while throwing here.

The course is somewhat short and can be played mostly with mids and putters.

Other Thoughts:

Clean, fun, and family friendly. Lucky you, if you live in this neighborhood, and can play it every day.
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9 0
S.Cann
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.9 years 156 played 82 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Quick Play off I75 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Very well-maintained. All grass was cut and most fairways were clear of debris.

-Amenities. Trash cans were available on several holes and there were a few benches. In reading the other reviews, I saw a lot of people say there was no bathroom, but I just walked in the REC Center and they allowed me to use the bathroom.

-Discs sold onsite. I didn't thumb through, but it looked to be all Discraft.

-There were some fun shots to be had. I particularly enjoyed the last 3 holds which were decently wooded.

-Ace runs to be had!

Cons:

-Open shot after open shot. Hole 1 is a solid hole, very fun, but until it gets into the woods it gets to be pretty repetitive.

-Not very challenging. If you're looking for a course to take beginners, this is it! For more experienced players, you would want to play with a putter and a couple of midranges.

-There is a very nice pond closeby holes 5 & 6 that I really wish they had incorporated...

-An alternate set of teepads or another 9 altogether, could really improve upon this course.

Other Thoughts:

This is a reasonable course and definitely worth your time if you are passing through. It's not one I would go out of the way to play, but I would be perfectly fine if this were my home course.
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2 1
Chigger Hamby
Experience: 13.5 years 18 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great Beginner Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 5, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a great beginning course to work on some basic skills. Wide open holes, 3 wooded holes gives a good mix of shots required. Double chains on baskets, marker at tee tells feet to basket.

Cons:

Hardly any, but if I had to list some:
Would like to see concrete tee pads and signs for each hole. No restrooms either. Would like to see a 2nd tee at each hole, there is room.

Other Thoughts:

Go on a Saturday or Sunday and probably will see a few others out there. Midweek, will have it to yourself, untill the evening when folks get off work. I've picked up trash at baskets left by teens.(even though there are trash cans spread out on the course)
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5 1
chrishank
Experience: 14.9 years 33 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

easy course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 23, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Very easy course for beginers. I believe longest hole is around 300. A very easy to follow course, expecially since the pins point to next hole. My favorite hole would be the 3 in the woods. They are not very hard still being in the woods but definally beautiful with the wooden bridges. Its a rec center so there is a walking track you can walk on after playing if you like to walk.

Cons:

In my opinion it is to easy of a course for people who played for a year or more. No teepads are concrete but still you can tell where they are at. No signs, but do have pipes with distance marked. I think you could improve this course by adding a second teepad to the holes making it longer shots for advaced players. Oh and no bathrooms!!! I thaught all rec centers had one.

Other Thoughts:

A good course to go to for a family with little children, except for no bathrooms. But it is stroller friendly, the woods is a little rough but not bad. Plenty of birdie chances even for a beginer. A real confidence booster. :)
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4 0
bama9125
Experience: 16 played 9 reviews
2.50 star(s)

great introudction to beginner 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 21, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

its trick than it looks. every hole is birdie opporunity for pro player. great for beginner to learn the game and more room to practice throw disc. hole 1 need to aim between 2 big trees to have chance for biride. hole 2 and 3 are straight ahead. hole 4 is straight ahrad but aim between 2 trees. hole 5 is easy but if windy is in the weather then trouble come! hole 6 is hard for those who cant throw that far and its little uphill. hole 7 and 8 need to throw straight because you are entering wood area. last hole is lot of trees in play. aim on right of big tree go straight.

Cons:

too easy for experience thrower. and no bathroom! i will make recommended to Catoosa co recreation center about add bathroom if possible because the nearest bathroom is in softball complex. usually the gate is closed most of time so have to drive at least 1.5-2 miles to go bathroom.

Other Thoughts:

great for family gathering to play. i have seen some report say hard time play at hole 6-8 bec of noisy from interstate 75. well i have no plm with that because i am deaf . :)
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8 0
.DLB.
Experience: 15.6 years 8 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

My Home Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 26, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

•Easy to follow layout
•Beginner friendly
•Parking now always open at hole #1 Tee
•Some holes easily allow you to tee off from a farther position (un-marked long tees) for more of a challenge
•ChainStar baskets.
•Bench at hole #3 tee and #9 basket
•Trash cans at holes #1, #5 and #9
•Well maintained (grass is always mowed in summer)
•Good for a lunch time round
•Great location
•Always open, always free

Cons:

•Not a lot of technical challenges on several holes
•Short holes. All are reachable in 1 drive.
•Noise from I-75 (visible from the course)
•Bathrooms not close by
•Not so much a con, but something to be aware of - This is a multi-use facility. A walking track is around the course, so use common sense when throwing.

Other Thoughts:

Since I live so close to this course, I have played it easily in the hundreds of rounds. Even given its length and sometimes lack of challenge due to obstacles, it is still a blast to play. Here's a quick hole rundown.

#1 - Tee pad is elevated about ~10' above final basket elevation. Basket sits slightly off center to the right. Trees line both side of fairway with some branches that can easily be hit on either side if thrown too high.

#2 - Straight shot with fairway on about a +3' grade to pin. Pine trees just to right of basket make a late turning hyzer shot null.

#3 - Short, wide open hole that drops ~10' to basket. Wind can make it a tough hole.

#4 - Level from pad to basket, straight shot. Tree line sits about 15' in front of basket, but can be woven through in several lines.

#5 - A lot like hole 3, just a bit farther. Large pond if you throw to far right. Watch for wind.

#6 - 2nd longest and most drastic elevation change. Wide open, so you can throw whichever way you like. Wind can really carry discs on this one by the way it crosses.

#7 - Short and straight and you're in good shape. In the woods, so straighter is better.

#8 - A lot like #7. Between tee and basket is a pretty drastic gully, but no navigation issues.

#9 - Most challenging hole, but favors RHBH throwers. Several trees can play into factor.

I gave it a 3.5 rating because it is a great course that I play almost daily. You can hone your throwing skills and practice a variety of shots. This course is definitely worth stopping by if you are traveling through the area. 3 minutes off the interstate, and you can play 9 holes while the family stays asleep in the car! (Just leave a window cracked).
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2 1
ponygirl74
Experience: 14.3 years 2 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice Easy 9 Hole in NW GA 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 2, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good 9 hole course for beginners. At a nice park off I-75. Uncrowded; nice scenery. First 6 holes are wide open and the last 3 have trees for more challenging throws.

Cons:

Not very challenging for the advanced player. Holes are short and mostly without obstacles.

Other Thoughts:

Great course for beginners and kids. All holes are par 3.
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5 0
ShopTom.com
Experience: 15.8 years 33 played 14 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Welcome to disc golf! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 27, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great place to start and then develop your game, open course, distance markers, friendly locals, drink machine behind the building, discs inside.

Cons:

Some places muddy in the rain so wait an hour like swimming after you eat, some tees not level.

Other Thoughts:

This is where I bring anyone new interested in the game. They get 6 holes of grasping the basics and then an introduction to what the game can be with the last 3 wooded. Highly recommended for noobs, families, or anyone that just wants a relaxing game.
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2 0
warren1086
Experience: 15.7 years 19 played 16 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Jack Mattox 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 18, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

A very clean park, lot of fun, mostly straight and flat shots with some elevation, good variety of wooded and open holes. Not much skill needed so great for beginners or warming up for some of the other great courses in the Chatt. area. Turf tee pads are nice but can be slippery. PVC pipes show hole number and distance. Flow of course is very easy to follow.

Cons:

No real distance on any holes as most are under 250' so not much challenge for advanced players, holes play very close to each other so watch out for other discs, course is very close to highway I-75 the noise can be annoying at times, no benches or trash cans but trash wasn't a problem at all.

Other Thoughts:

Very enjoyable short course with chance for aces on just about every hole. Wouldn't drive far for this course but since there are other highly recommended course in the area I would def. go again!
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9 0
craigd
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.6 years 179 played 118 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Very fun course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 10, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a fun little nine hole course that you can run through in a matter of minutes, literally. The park is right off I-75 so if you are traveling though the area it is well worth the stop to play. While advanced players won't find any challenge to speak of it is still a very fun course. If nothing else, stop so you can add this to your played list. You can work on your short game and shoot for twos on every hole as a nice goal to keep you somewhat challenged. Newer players will love the fact that every hole is reachable and good scores can be recorded and will help build confidence. Families would also love this course with its tame layout and safe park atmosphere.

Most holes are pretty open and so you will be able to throw whatever you want to reach the basket. This is a "go for ace" course on every hole. While numbers seven through nine are in the woods, nine offers the biggest challenge. Its basket is tucked behind a few trees. In my opinion it favors a RHBH thrower so it will still be mastered by most. Overall you should just come out and enjoy the birdies!

PVC pipes with hole numbers and distances mark the tees and are sufficient to lead you through the course with absolutely no chance of getting lost. The flow of the course makes enough sense that even without signs you could just about make it through without too much navigational issues assuming you have some disc golf experience.

The tee pads are indoor/outdoor green carpet/turf. They are in good enough shape that there are no noticeable problems that are found at other courses (roots, trenches, etc.) Evidence of continuing progress is all around. New bridges and pathways especially on the last three holes are nice. I'll bet the locals are really proud of this course. It really has the potential of being a must play eventually.

Cons:

Short. I can't say that you wouldn't be somewhat disappointed if you planned to drive hours to come and play. It's lacking challenge of any kind. Fun for sure but a little bland. The hole can get a little repetitive but the ace runs are so temping that you won't notice. Everyone seems to like the benches, signs, concrete pads, and other amenities; you won't find them here. Bathrooms?

Other Thoughts:

Defiantly stop by if you are in the area! This is a really fun course. There is a little construction going on as of April 2009 and based on other reviews has been going on for some time now. It is a little messy; I played after a lot of rain. Obviously it won't last forever. It did come into play on a few holes with mud and debris here and there. Once it is finished you should be good to go. I travel from Atlanta to Nashville three or four times a year and plan on stopping by on every trip! You should too!
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2 3
TheGuid
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Decent Starter Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 8, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Wide open, hard to get in trouble for beginners/new players. Free to play!

Cons:

Construction area quite muddy when rainy. Short holes for long throwers. Parking area closed on weekends.

Other Thoughts:

Good place to take people for their first time out. Very close to the interstate and easy to find. One hole you do have to be careful as it is very easy to throw one onto the interstate! Construction areas a fairly easy to play through/around.
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