Brandon, MS

Ross Barnett Reservoir - The Rez DGC

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4.15(based on 42 reviews)
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7 0
Ryal
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 7.4 years 240 played 202 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Rez is Rad

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 5, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

+ The course plays through some nice woods, alongside a lovely lake and across some breezy open areas.
+ There are two baskets per fairway with multiple possible positions. The baskets are numbered and color-coordinated for whichever layout you are playing.
+ Welcome area with info board, lost disc box and practice basket.
+ The way-finding signage is adequate (mostly).
+ The tee signs are colorful and informative, but...

Cons:

- ...They need to be updated to include new pin positions, pars, fairways and so on.
- The wooded fairways have much to be desired.
- Largely flat terrain.
-/+ The concrete tee pads are present but sub-optimal.

Other Thoughts:

There's a lot to like about The Rez.

For scenery and sights, I really liked the optics of fairways9 and 13 because those are both appealing direct tree hallways more than 200 feet long. Links15 through 17 occupy a panoramic peninsula perfectly precariously perched at the perilous precipice of the pretty Pelahatchie. Those were nerve-wracking fun to attempt and quite nice to look at. Link16 was my favorite one to play precisely because it was such a shot of adrenaline to the disc golfer's heart to throw that close to the water's edge.

As for playing and challenge, The Rez has a fun assortment. If you're looking for open fairways to throw at full power, links6, 10, 12 and 14 can accommodate you. Speaking only for myself, I really didn't like link14 because it was so lengthy and repetitive. I prefer trees in my disc golf. There are quite a few park-style links that keep a good balance of space between its trees- mostly in the front nine. If you're more interested in tree mazes and dense tunnels, this course has what you're looking for, too. This course doesn't specialize in one type of fairway, which keeps the action varied and fresh or, depending on how you look at these things, unfocused and inconsistent.

On the topic of disc golfing downsides, I didn't feel like I was being challenged too much, even from the far layout. With precious few exceptions, the land plays functionally flat. The only fairways that I could say have noteworthy elevation is link8's tiny valley. Otherwise, the course challenge boils down to distance either with or without trees, which can be fine. But after several links of the same thing, it begins to get tedious. So in this course's case, it's good that the fairways change from time to time.

The infrastructure could use an upgrade. For one thing, the tee pads aren't the greatest. Some are cracked or damaged, and virtually all of them aren't particularly wide. During my round in early November 2023, there was a major project going on alongside links14 and 17 involving bulldozers, excavators and sand from the bay being pumped onto the land. Link18 has been eliminated because of it. A temporary link6b has been installed to keep the course at eighteen fairways. The guiding signage has some gaps in its coverage. I was lucky to bump into a local at link12 who told me about the unintuitive walk from 12 to 13 for a first-time player. He was right. Looking back, it's obvious, but still: effective nav signage keeps the action moving...!

All told, The Rez is one of those courses that I can happily recommend to just about anybody. Thanks to its dual baskets per fairway, most players can feel as though they are getting a fun and fair round here. It's nice to look at, mostly fun to play and tucked into an unassuming park away from noisy highways. For course baggers, this one is a nice stop. Newbies who play here are in for a treat (or shock!) with the water features, occasionally dense tree cover and longer distances, but they've gotta learn somewhere, right? Why not at The Rez?
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11 0
Pizza God
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 36.6 years 1888 played 637 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Best of MS? 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 6, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Cement tee pads for every hole
Great Tee signs showing most of the pin placements
a couple of good par 4 holes.
Multiple pin position for almost every hole

Cons:

(this is being picky)
Nothing on the tee sign marking which position the basket is in.
New pin positions not marked on tee signs (yet)
course flow
Last few holes

Other Thoughts:

First off, this is a killer course, I am going to be a little harsh on a few of the problems I have with the course that keep me from rating it a 5.0, something I have only given a few courses.

1st off, it had been raining all day, lucky for me, it stopped raining when I got to the course and the sun even peaked out from between a few clouds during my round. With that said, the course is very sandy, so it does not get muddy. No issues at all with this course being playable, even during rain.

I have an issue with multiple pin position courses, when the baskets are in all different positions, the scoring apps can't reflect it. This course was an example of this, The UDisc app course map did not reflect where the baskets were located. I was playing several of the holes totally blind on my drive.

The tee signs really need to have some sort of marking of which pin position the basket is in, specially when you can't see the pin's from the tee. This was really bad when the pin position is totally new (like hole 3) and is not even mapped on the tee sign.

Course flow, one issue with having multiple pin or multiple tee's is it really messes with the course flow. Nothing worse than walking as far between the holes as the holes themselves. This is particularly bad in a couple of spots at The Rez. Hole 3 to hole 4 is normally a decent flow, but the super long pin position it was in when I played it meant I literally had to walk the distance of hole 4 to get to play hole 4.

Hole 6 was in a shorter position and it was about even with the basket for hole 7.

Hole 9 and 10 are almost parallel throwing the same direction.

Don't' even get me started on the walk from hole 12 to 13.

Then after all the great holes from 1 to 13 you get to an open area. Hole 14 is good enough. New pin position (not on any maps) to the right. Wide open, but too far for me to get anything other than a 3.

Hole 15 is the ONLY hole without multiple pin positions, but there are only about 3 tree's between you and the basket that is about 300ft away, but only 10ft from the lake. Of course I hit the one and only tree on the right............

Hole 16 would drive me crazy if this was my home course. This is a disc stores bread and butter. The map shows a short position and a long position on a narrow peninsula. But the basket was actually in a new position not listed on any maps. Hang your disc out straight, your in the lake, over throw the hole, your in the lake. Shoot, I hit the first (and only) tree and my upshot was in the lake (well, it hit the bank and bounced back into the water, at least it was retrievable). And about 10ft behind the basket, is the lake. I can't even imagine playing the longer position, I doubt I would have thrown it.

Hole 17 is good enough, lake shot but reachable for most players. Nice fence behind the basket so you can make a run at it.

Hole 18 is the 2nd or 3rd longest hole on the course and has you throwing across an open field and then down into the woods with rows of pine tree's.

This course can eat your lunch. I can see why people like it, specially in the long positions. I wish I could have known where some of the pin's were before I threw my first shot, but I didn't have the time to walk all the way down the fairway and walk back to throw. I just threw several layup as I played to see where the basket was and would make my upshot from there.

The new pin position on hole 3 is killer, Drive placement is VERY important on this hole for a chance at a 3 or 4, you can get into a lot of trouble here. Best hole on the course for sure.

Would I play here again? Oh yea, if I had time I would have played another round. is the course perfect? No, but it is a GREAT course and anyone who can play here everyday is lucky to say the least. This course was listed as the #1 course in MS before I played it. To be honest, I thought the course was great and have a hard time believing this is the best of MS. it's all downhill from here? Well, at least it is the best course I personally have played in MS.
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15 0
blake833
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.5 years 161 played 142 reviews
3.50 star(s)

I got friends in open spaces 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 5, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

It's a very good course! Placed in a scenic little recreation/park area near the reservoir north of Jackson, this makes for a nice round. Holes start off in the woods, and with a few exceptions stay in some nice wide fairways with decent elevation changes, a few more open holes but they're all still interesting by incorporating hills, a few trees engaged nicely, or the water.

None of the challenges ever felt too much, or unfair. Hole 2 was the closest, but after walking it, I saw what it was supposed to be, and appreciated it. The design makes great use of the slopes in the terrain, the trees, and the reservoir itself.

Tee pads were plenty big enough, baskets were fine. Each tee had a nice little sign with all the basket positions (but more on that in the cons).

Navigation was pretty straightforward. A couple long walks, but arrows helped out, and the walk paths are fairly clear.

Playing solo, and playing clean, this round shouldn't be too long. Maybe about an hour or so. The long holes aren't the wooded holes, which is perfect because you really get to rip it.

Each hole had multiple basket positions, though only one basket per hole.

Cons:

The cons are mainly related to the multiple positions of the baskets. Especially starting out. Many of the baskets are blind from the tee, and while you get used to it, it's so frustrating to not know if you have to throw 250 feet or 350 feet. You don't know on some holes if you're going straight or left or right. I was really frustrated by hole 4, which is where it kind of turns around and gets better, but still does that a few times afterwards. Hanging hooks and pins on the tee sign would be a quick and easy fix. This is also why I'm always a proponent for multiple tees not multiple baskets.

The big field holes were really muddy. It's not that big of a con, but just know if you're going to be there after a rain.

There aren't really any other cons, it seriously is a very good course.

Other Thoughts:

I had this in cons at first, but I'm moving it here because it's really more of a thought: It might be time to update some tee's or baskets. They're not in bad shape, but some tees are smooth, or baskets getting a little rusty. Nothing really bad, but I think some polish and updates would make this course shine a little bit.

The course was very busy when I was there with players practicing for a tournament the next day. But everyone was very friendly, and obviously really cared about this course.

Some holes were really nice two-drive holes, not just drive and upshot. I think it was hole 7 where the basket was on the other side of a fence from the tee (annoying) (not hole 6 where it wasn't as bad) and very long and uphill, but honestly that was a great hole with a great strategic landing area, a creek, it was almost like idlewild for a minute. But less wild.

What would make this course a 4 for me? Maybe the polish, definitely knowing which placement the basket is in. There might be some opportunity to redesign a couple of the weaker, filler holes. But right now, it's a "Very Good" course. Which certainly is a course I'd want to play again!
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8 2
novice39532
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Not fun unless you have a big arm 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 20, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Free to play
Good tee pads, generally good signs
Dial-indicator (A,B,C,D) basket locations, but not kept up-to-date with current basket locations.
Very little underbrush throughout course.
Local JUDGES group puts in a LOT of effort in course maintenance; 'most' of their members are good friendly ambassadors of their club and the sport.
Great course for Advanced/Open players.

Cons:

Locals do not keep up with basket location dial-indicators on tee pads, threw to indicated basket only to find it in different placement on several holes.
Too long for the beginner or Rec player, 400'+, 500'+ and 600'+ par 3s were demoralizing (couple of optional 700'+ holes); locals were a touch insulting with my lack of a "big arm".
Missing a couple tee signs.
Was told there would be maps in a mailbox near #1, no maps; only map was on bulletin board by #1 but was covered with old/scarred plexi-glass and couldn't make out course map.
Laser-sighted with range finder tee-to-basket on a couple of holes and distance was off on some by as much as 40'+ from tee pad signs.
Short tunnel holes could be made more interesting with left/right placements instead of ("let's make it longer!") just adding another 50'-100'
Discouraging/demoralizing distances on some holes.
Difficult to locate plain gray baskets between trees/shadows (I'm spoiled in looking for the big yellow band at the top).

Other Thoughts:

My fifth time playing this course in last two years. I don't have a big arm and try to play my own game; I avg about 300' on drives and know my ability will never permit me to throw 400'. With a mild wind (made 400' and 500' seem like 600' and 800') I had to full-power throw driver, driver, mid, long jump-putt to reach baskets on a couple holes. This course seems more geared toward the big arm (esp new/alt basket locations) and the locals I chatted with seem (rudely) to share this attitude. Felt like I was either throwing into a short tunnel or required to throw it a mile; was not an enjoyable course experience.
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11 1
Mr. Butlertron
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.7 years 684 played 131 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Very Good Park Style DG Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 17, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- free to play
- concrete tees
- multiple pins
- informative tee signs: fairway image with pin locations and distances, numbered
- numbered baskets
- a variety of fairway distances
- lots of chances for scoring separation
- a decent balance of lefty and righty holes
- clean fairways, clear of poke and hope
- rough is not overly punitive
- some slight variations of elevation
- course design had exciting water OB
- pin indicator on tee signs
- benches
- 2 sets of restrooms on location
- covered rest area half way through the course
- kiosk on location, though it was hard to see through

Cons:

- there might be a parking fee on weekends and holidays
- not necessarily an easy layout to follow for first timers, bring a map
- a few open, plain fairways.
- no multiple tee pads
- a few tee pads weren't facing all pin positions
- tee pads are a little weathered
- grey colorless baskets were hard to see in the shadowy woods
- multi use area, parts of the course runs parallel to the park accesses road
- I didn't understand the long alt pin for hole 17

Other Thoughts:

The Rez is a park style course that has a little bit of everything to challenge disc golfers. From short fairways with technical lines, to long bomber holes that are generally free of obstacles, and everything in between. It may not be the most intimidating course I've ever thrown, but there are many difficulty aspects, layered, that add up over 18 holes. If you have a weakness in your game, it's going to get exposed one way or another at the Rez.

The technical holes were the shorter fairways of the course. I have holes 2,3,9, and 13 in this category. They required a putter or mid for most part. These fairways were tight, mostly straight, with a mix left, right, and straight pin locations. Not a whole lot of shot shaping to the shorter pins, but they were clean and drives were not subject to random rough seeping into the fairways. The longer pin locations required more shot planing and risk/reward consideration.

The open holes tended to be longer, with the exception of 15,16,17. Those holes were relatively short, open, and used the reservoir to create a majority of challenge. Bigger arms will appreciate a chance to bomb holes 1,6,10,14, and 18. Altogether, the open holes made up just nearly half of the course, which was a few too many for me. I appreciate a lengthy drives as much as the next guy, but it felt a little repetitive after a while. 16&17 should be combined, instead, they're both sort of meh separately.

The mixed holes on the course were my favorites, they had the best of both other categories. 4,5,7,8,11,12, all great holes wrought with challenge. These fairways were long enough to be challenging, yet open enough for player creativity off the tee. 8 was a real ball buster in the long pin position.

I appreciated the versatility that 2-3 different pin positions per hole offered. The balance between RH and LH themed fairways felt fair. The subtle ascending/descending fairways throughout the course added another degree of challenge too. Overall, there's not much to complain about at the Rez. My list is sort and most cons were very minor. I greatly enjoyed this course. It's probably the best park style course I've yet to throw.

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2 10
Connor_DiscGolf
Experience: 9.3 years 9 played 8 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Beyond phenomenal! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 10, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

•Great Wooded terrain
•Benches on several holes
•Water Features comes into place on Hole #15-18
•Trash Cans near Hole 13
•Lots of elevation changes

Cons:

•Hole #7 (C) basket's placing is hard to spot. (Over the Fence)
•Bug Spray recommended

Other Thoughts:

Bug Spray in the summer!
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8 1
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.8 years 239 played 236 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Really fun play, try not to get wet! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 11, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a delightful course in a pretty darn nice park that plays around the reservoir. It's got tight 20ft wide tunnel shots, big open field bombs, shots over water, and one...that I have nicknamed the "fecalator" because it's sure to make you mess your pants.

A short anhuzer shot that ends with the basket at the end of a 8ft wide peninsula with water on both sides for 75ft and behind. Miss and it's probably gone.

The tee pads were pretty nice and well textured with pebbles in them. They were very long which I liked, I'm a big guy with a long Runup so I like the space. They were a touch narrow but not badly.

Baskets were good older DGA baskets, no unexpected spit outs.

The course has decent maintenance and the bathroom is centrally located and nice enough.

Plent of parking as well.

16 aka fecalator has to be the signature hole, but 18, 11 and 6 are all great too. Shot variety is just plain fun here.

A lot of kids playing here, tons of teens who were well mannered and friendly, I love playing around young players who are excited and enjoying the sport.

There are also benches on most holes and signage with the pin placement.

Cons:

Not a ton of cons but there are a few thing ms holding it back.

Trash, just bring a Baggie when you play guys and it'll go away quickly.

The signage was okay, but partially inaccurate due tone being a little dated.

The newly reconfigured holes 15- 18 are natural right now, small con but no deal breaker.

Has some fences in play and goes very close to the road. Not a big deal but I don't like having the risk of hitting a car with an on target shot.

Other Thoughts:

Overall I reallyed like it and would definitely play again, the shot variety alone is worth checking out and the reservoir is very pretty for the most part.
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11 2
Qikly
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.3 years 181 played 150 reviews
3.50 star(s)

The Rez is Rez-ommended 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 7, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The Rez covers a lot of ground and throws a lot at you: big open drives, water hazards of several shapes and severities, tree-studded fairways, tunnel shots, tight windows, low ceilings, precise landing zones, OB, and even a few instances of modest and moderate elevation. It's a technical but fair course that can take a variety of forms due to its well-conceived multiple pin positions, but the focus is on challenging par 3s that force you to hit specific lines, landing zones, or windows. The Rez's obstacles make you to play their way.

The layout mixes distances, lines, and levels of woodedness well. Although pin positions often determine a hole's line, there is in general a lack of righty or lefty bias: players will really benefit from having throw versatility here, and lefties will have the opportunity to hit some picturesque hyzers. The movement in and out of the woods switches things up, providing in turn technical fairways, space to breath, and shots to bomb. More or less the entire gamut of woodedness is covered here, making for a rather complete set of DG challenges.

The presence of one set of tees is counteracted by the balanced difficulty and myriad pin positions; this course has some solid replayability. The Rez won't beat up beginners but still offers a nice challenge to experienced players. The concrete tees aren't in the greatest shape but still get the job done. Parking is ample and well-kept public rest rooms accessible. The multi-use park offers activities outside of disc golf.

Cons:

This course is all about execution, both to its benefit and to its detriment. The shots it presents are usually pretty standard, it's just a matter of whether you hit them or not. I like the technicality, but wish there were more opportunities to make tough choices and exercise one's mental game.

Although the multiple pin positions vary this a bit, there is in general a focus on tough par 3s here that gets a little repetitive for me. One or two par 4s - and the space for them seems to be there - would contribute a great deal to the course. With such rich terrain you could definitely craft some interesting longer holes that weave in and out of the woods.

Although shot variety is generally good, the wooded holes are themselves repetitive, being almost exclusively straight shots. Line shaping is virtually nonexistent on these holes.

The final four holes have been recently redesigned, and vary quite a bit from what's seen on DGCR. 15-17 are all short holes with scary water hazards that become a bit boring when played back to back to back.

Navigation isn't always easy. I had the fortune of playing with locals, so it didn't effect me, but a map is highly recommended.

The course is a bit off the beaten path for an out-of-towner to get to.

Other Thoughts:

I found the Rez to be a super solid destination that would make for an awesome home course. Its variety requires a complete game to score well, and it's not punishing or overly quirky.

The Rez is a good stop to make if you're in the Jackson area. I prefer Center City myself, but CC doesn't seem to get much attention in the grooming department and often threatens to overgrow. The Rez seems to be much more well kept, making it a better bet to visit. I'd recommend it to anyone passing through.
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9 2
WSP420
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.4 years 51 played 48 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 21, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-A number of holes have benched and/or trash cans
-Concrete Tee Pads
-Multiple Pins (3 on most holes)
-Open bombs, tight technical wooded shots, water and some possible aces
-The course is well marked and easily navigated (there is a map of the course on a bulletin board near Hole #1)
-Free to play
-Regular tournaments

Cons:

-Tee signs need updating
-HEAVY traffic, players and park-goers (and dogs) *NOTE* Dogs, in general, are not cons. Dogs are cool.
-Parking can get tricky on the weekends
-The course is right next to the Ross Barnett Reservoir; which means, the wind is ALWAYS a factor.

Other Thoughts:

I have been playing on this course since shortly after it opened and it's always fun and challenging. The layout, disc golf friendly atmosphere and variety of holes are what earn this course the highest rating in Central Mississippi. Personally I think there are a few courses that are more fun to play and/or more challenging, but if you want a fun well-rounded 18 holes of disc golf, you will NOT be disappointed!

***SIDE NOTE: They close the course often on the weekends for tournaments. Usually it's just half of one day, but it has been closed all weekend. I like to travel to new courses on the weekends, as I'm sure others do as well. I know would be quite irate if I had traveled 50-100 miles (or more) just to see a sign that reads "Disc golf course closed for PRIVATE tournament." So, be sure to check this site and the J.U.D.G.E.S. site before making a long trip.

**As of May 2013 if there is someone in the guard house there is a $2 entrance fee to the park unless your are intending to use the boat ramp.
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2 3
jtblount2
Experience: 12.7 years 71 played 15 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 25, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

concrete tee pads
multiple pin locations
huge variety of shots

Cons:

tough course for beginners
new layout causes navigation problems

Other Thoughts:

This is the only course i have ever played in Jackson and I keep going back to it. It is an awesome course because every time I play, it is a little bit different. The new layout adds some difficulty and you could definitely get wet.
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1 8
jordyheath
Experience: 16 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great tunnel shots 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 27, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well maintained, epic tunnel shots, concrete tees, good mix of shots...

Cons:

Signage at the box could be better, could be easier to navigate to the next box on a couple of holes, but great course overall.
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4 4
SirShanksAlot
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Beautiful and fun! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 19, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is absolutely beautiful and very well maintained. Very nice course design with alot of shot variants. I believe there are three pin placements for each hole. Good mix between open holes and tunnel shots. Very awesome shot on 18 where the tee pad is looking directly over part of the lake there. Will be back to play again!

Cons:

I think the only problem with this course is that it's kind of confusing to navigate if you don't know where your going. After one round it's easy so this isn't really a big con.

Other Thoughts:

A buddy of mine and myself drove 2 1/2 hours to play this course for one day. I will say that it was completely worth the trip. The amount of different shots there are with each hole is remarkable! Can't wait to go back!
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8 2
sgb118
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.3 years 24 played 22 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Worth Playing 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a very beautiful park that winds through the woods. The course is set apart from most other activities, so other park users don't come into play except on only a few holes. There are many signature holes that you will remember, and it seems that the course was designed with great care. The course provides a great mix of open and narrow wooded shots, and even uses water nicely. Probably wouldn't be too difficult for new players, but experience definitely wouldn't hurt. There is also a good ratio of short to long holes. There were plenty of trash cans in the park, and there was good signage, benches and concrete tee pads at every hole. There were also multiple pin placements for every hole (3 for each, if I am remembering correctly). One of my favorite courses, and I wish I could play it all the time!

Cons:

I could see this course being somewhat difficult to navigate, so follow a group or play with the locals (that's what we did). There is a chain link fence that comes into play on hole 5, 8, and 9 that was annoying. Played in the summer, so there were people in play on 17 and 18.

Other Thoughts:

Like I said, if you follow a group or play with a local, navigation isn't a problem. They're very friendly. It is very apparent that the designers and everyone involved with creating this course really cared about it. Even the last two holes were no problem to shoot with the other park users in play. I also realize that nothing can be done about the chain link fence, but we didn't really like it. Overall, one of the best courses that I have played, and I recommend it to anyone in the area, whether you live in Jackson or are passing through.
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5 4
TOURNEYPLAYER
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.8 years 54 played 12 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A hidden gem 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 10, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course has a great mix of open and wooded holes. It winds throught the woods around a beautiful resevoir. I was only in MS for a few days and this was the only course near my hotel. I went there 3 times and even participated in the random doubles. this is not an easy course but has its birdie opportunities.

Cons:

It is a little tough to navigate so either get a map(i did not) or find a local(I did) to play with your first time. this course gets plenty of play because im pretty sure its the best in the area.

Other Thoughts:

Overall a great experience. fairly well groomed. fair pin placement and challenging lines. only thing is I wish the water was used more. only a few holes bring it into play.
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14 2
lxdawg25
Experience: 20.4 years 34 played 21 reviews
4.50 star(s)

What a Gem 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 23, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

I've held off on writing this review because I do not know where to start or feel if I've have ability to truly express how much of a joy it was to play this course. Since playing almost a month ago I've tried to convince many of my friends to drive to Jackson and play The Rez with me. This course is just short of perfect and is well worth any distance you may consider reasonable to drive. I personally drove 3 hours to get there just to play for a day and am itching to make the trip again. Located in a nice little park in the suburbs of Jackson this course plays to many different skill sets and abilities.
The park offered lots of little amenities and had plenty of other traffic including a boat ramp for access to the reservoir. The course was well appointed with trash cans, benches, and tee signs at every hole. You get to hole 1 and it's off to the races.
The first hole plays along the main road of the park but then you quickly enter the woods for some nice alley shots and technical holes. Around hole 5 you come back out into some more "open" fields. Then back into the woods, then out again. It really is a wonderful mix of distance and technical ability, open and tight holes. It also took me awhile to notice but each tee sign had a bolt through it to tell you which pin position was in play. A few holes of note:

3 - Your first view of the alley that you'll see often through out the course. With the basket sitting tantilizingly close you find yourself trying to really push your shot but have to be ware because the woods are quick to eat a shot.

6 - The first big long hole in an open field it's got a nice down hill slope to it and is just fun to really bomb.

8 - A nice valley sits between this tee box and basket lets you put a drive out there and watch it fly. The only problem is after a nice beautiful drive you still have to play back to the right to get to the basket.

17 - This has to be the most beautiful hole on the course! Relatively short this hole provides a true risk/ reward with the basket sitting just feet from the edge of the water. Over shooting will be punished as the back just drops down about 2-3 feet into the water. Great view great shot, I could play this hole 20 times.

18 - The final hole is just awesome. A forced drive over the reservoir just watched the first step off the tee box it's a doozie. Although wide open the best lines require long carries over the water. Even a short line over the water still has some distance and can be treacherous. Although the water seems easy enough to get into and find a disc if needed.

I would also like to point out that I ended up talking to a couple of people who were locals to the course and I have to say that they were very friendly and were a pleasure to talk to.

Cons:

The holes that played along the road seemed to me to be a bit dangerous and I ended up spending a bit of time waiting for traffic. I'm guessing they have not been a huge problem yet since they haven't been moved but from my side of things it seemed less than preferable as most lines would go right out over the road.

There was also a bit of a navigation issue that honestly could have been very easily fixed. I played hole 8 twice because we realized we skipped hole 7. This is because the 8th tee was the closest one to 6's basket. Also we played the wrong tee pad for 9 because we found a cement tee pad with a bench next to it and assumed it was 9, it must have been an old tee pad as it was in the middle of the woods, and the new position made much more sense. I've seen plenty of courses put some tape on the basket spoke that points to the next tee, a nice simple solution that would solve these issues. It is also important to note that the second time I play this course none of this will be an issue. As it is really simple problems only really attributed to me not knowing the course.

One other thing that kind of bothered me is with a trash can on every hole a couple of times I ended up picking trash up out of the woods. It very easily could have been from non golfers but it was upsetting with the amount of trash cans to see that.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course and I think a few upgrades could make this an easy 5. Most of the problems were directly related to me playing this course for the first time and a local would not have these issues. I really enjoyed this course and if you are anywhere in the area this is a must play! Can't wait until my next trip up there.
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16 1
Martin Dewgarita
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15 years 1600 played 95 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Incomprehensible Dancing Gerbils in the Morning 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 9, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

A very nice DG experience in a large park that is mostly wooded with open areas, flat, with in a lake in play.

Amenities. Large park with a variety of activities. The DG area has ample parking and bathrooms accessible.

Variety. Decent variety of lengths from 150-400 with many different looks at technical lines and several open longer holes thrown in there. Direct ace runs are few, though most baskets are reachable in 1 if you can hit the line, birdies feel relatively rewarding.

Well maintained. The course looked very nice and well manicured, there wasn't much trash about as a trash can was provided at every hole.

Beginner friendly. This would be a great place to learn and work on technical lines, though if you're not sure about your drives you may want to skip a couple of the water holes.

Local Scene. The course was busy with locals though not overly crowded, everyone I ran into was friendly and helpful. Local leagues and tournaments seem prevalent.

Access. Within 10 miles of the freeway/city make it relatively accessible to travelers and locals.

Links. After 12 holes you pass near the vehicles if you only have time for a short round or need to pick up something from the car.

Scenery. Very nice wooded park through the pine trees.

Tees. Mostly level concrete tee pads were in relatively good condition, though some were cracked and slightly uneven. Most of them were pretty dirty and could use a good sweeping.

Scorecards/Map. A mailbox was provided with scorecards, and a map was posted on the sign - I'd suggest taking a picture of it.

Cons:

Navigation. I just mentioned taking a picture of the map, it will be helpful, even with the map I struggled on 5-7 finding my way. No tee or sign for hole 5.

Other users, pedestrians and fishermen come into play on several holes, beware of where you're throwing.

Other Thoughts:

Very nice and well worth the stop if traveling through.
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12 2
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.7 years 831 played 777 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice variety! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 21, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through a large park with different types and densities of foliage. There are some longer holes out in mostly open spaces with just a few trees to avoid that let you air out some longer shots. A couple of the more open holes bring the lake into play, especially on a windy day for some nice risk/reward decisions. There are some holes that play through mature trees with limited underbrush and multiple lines to the hole. These are complemented with some dense wooded holes with thick rough that will really punish an errant drive.

The open holes have some length, and many of the wooded holes are technical but short so there's a nice variety of hole lengths. The more wooded holes offer a good mix of hole shapes in general, so you'll need some different shots to be successful. The alternate pin placements changed up several of the holes enough that it would add some real variety to the course. The tees and baskets are in nice shape, and most of the signage is in good shape including the course map at the parking lot.

Cons:

There are some navigation issues, make sure you take a look at the course map and maybe even take a picture of it. Hole 5 doesn't have a tee sign, so it's easy to skip a hole, and there are some other spots where you have to backtrack to find the correct tee. A method of indicating current pin position would be really helpful here, especially on a few blind holes. The road and parking lot are in play on some holes, which could be a safety issue. There were people walking dogs through the fairways in the woods, another potential safety issue especially on blind shots.

The park is very flat, I always enjoy a course a little more with at least a little bit of elevation change. The water is a great obstacle, it's too bad it couldn't be used a little more. The tighter holes are all pretty short, some length in the woods would add to the challenge and the variety, the wooded holes start to feel a little similar after a while because of the similar length. The pin set I played felt a little hyzer heavy, hopefully the course gets set up in more balanced ways sometimes.

Other Thoughts:

This is a fun course with some nice holes and a good mix of foliage densities. I had a good time playing here, and would definitely recommend a stop here if you're in the area. It's difficult enough that beginners might be a little intimidated, especially with some dense rough in spots. Intermediate level players will find this a great test with birdies available but not too easy. Better players won't find it terribly challenging, but it's got enough interesting holes that they'll have a fun round.
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2 3
sdervan
Experience: 15.3 years 41 played 41 reviews
4.00 star(s)

One of Mississippi's Best 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 29, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Everything you read about this course is true. It's very technical will try every shot in your bag. The course layout is great.
Great signs and with the multiple pin locations-it plays like a different course each time.
High Risk-High Reward type of course!

Cons:

Not a con if you have one but you had better have a strong flick shot or you're toast. A few holes have only 1 line and if you get off of it, taking a 3 will be a miracle.

Other Thoughts:

Great course and worth the drive.
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9 1
notapro
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.3 years 571 played 284 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Intermediate/Expert 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Course is set in a large park, with sloping fields in between a reservoir of water and a dense pine forest. Fishing and dog walking could possibly interfere, but otherwise it's DG only.
- Holes in the forested area provide a ton of different shots, with tight lanes in spots and large trees in others. Follows the usual pattern of tight/short and mature/longer to keep a constant level of difficulty, but some of the lines are very challenging. Tunnels are tight but fair, and longer holes need good accuracy and line shaping thanks to the trees. Good mix of left, straight, and right shots, some are extreme.
- The fields with scattered mature trees do a good job of keeping things tough. Distance is a major factor on a lot of holes, and there are usually well placed trees to take away lanes and force shot selection off the tee and on approach. Holes that border the forest also force some lines, including a long hyzer-only hole and a shorter anny route (RHBH). Two holes play into and out of the forest, and both have tight windows.
- Water is definitely in play on a few holes, in a big way. Three holes in particular; where you get water on the left, water behind the basket, and water on the right. The hole with water on the left has a clear RHBH anny route, or a tough hyzer route. The hole with water in the back is short and tantalzing, with little safe room behind the pin. The hole with water on the right is a good gut check for distance and accuracy. Awesome.
- Decent elevation changes here and there; there are a few holes with pretty respectable elevation changes, but mostly it's just sloping terrain. About 2/3 of the course falls into the sloping category, hole #8 is the most extreme.
- A few well protected baskets, some with trees of all sizes, and others with close proximity to the water. Accuracy is definitely needed close to the pins, or scores can balloon.
- Great signage where present, good tees, good baskets. Navigation is a little tricky in spots, the map in front is a big help the first time through.

Cons:

- A few holes are by the park's road, including traffic. It does well to serve as OB on a few holes, but it can be distracting and an eyesore.
- While there is a fantastic variety of hole lengths (with plenty of bombers), this is a perfect example of short/tight and long/open. If any hole were to be a par 4 here, it would be due to length and pretty much length alone. A few exceptions might be #5 or #8, or maybe #18 thanks to the water.
- Terrain is pretty flat overall, there aren't any exciting shots due to elevation. It is great for making holes much harder (#8) or easier (#6), but it won't take your breath away by any means.

Other Thoughts:

- This course has fantastic balance, in lots of ways. The three different sections of the park give a lot of different looks, and is set up well to keep switching between them. The different lines and shots that are present throughout each part are very good as well. Plenty of spots where the obvious hyzer, anhyzer, or dead straight shot is a necessity.
- Lots and lots of different pin positions must make this course a constant challenge as well. Big differences on many, many holes in terms of lines and difficulty. I would say that the difference is big enough where a casual player might find the long pins a little too difficult, and a seasoned player might find the short pins a bit too easy.
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2 2
jbsiv
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 12, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

All around this course has everything. There are many holes that are wide open and you can let a drive rip with no real consequences. Then there are many holes that take a little bit more finesse. Lots of trees that provide plenty of shade in the summer and help to make this course a real challenge.

Cons:

In the summer there are many people swimming and having family outings that can make for a frustrating experience on the last few holes.

Other Thoughts:

there are tee markers on every hole that provide a overview of the hole, this makes for a great tool for first time players. All in all this is a great course and I reccommend it for any skill level.
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