McDonough, GA

The Tracks @ McDonough

4.065(based on 9 reviews)
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16 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 10.9 years 707 played 687 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A South Metro Gem

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 18, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

(3.909 Rating) A medium length wooded course with a lot of charm.
- GAMEPLAY - The Tracks just about has it all. The main reason I'm scoring this one a 4.0, is because the high quality amenities package is to the same level of the wonderful golf to be had. There are two tee layouts here. The longer Gold pads serve up a bunch of multi-play par 4s and even a par 5. Some MA1s may struggle to stay pace with par on the Gold Layout. The course is almost entirely woods and the throwing lanes are tight, but usually fair. Some holes also have line options and there are pinch points. A few of the lines and placements did seem a little ridiculous on the demands from the backs, but it'll be an adrenaline rush when a threaded bomb makes it through a gauntlet of trees. The Gold pads are probably best for MA1s and Pros, while the Blues are best for MA2s. For the record I threw the Blue layout and finished plus 1 as an MA2 level player.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - I scored the aesthetics at 85 percentile. I did play it during the winter so I adjusted the score slightly higher knowing that the lines will pop more here during the warmer months. My favorite looking lines were (4), (6), (10) and (14). I loved seeing the two monster old growth poplars that survived the chopping block due to their shape. Players that are suckers for wooded courses with some length will love this place.
- AMENITIES - As alluded to above, The Tracks has a two tee configuration that will share a pad a handful of times. Both sets of tees are concrete and of very good size. There were brooms at most tees at one point, but most were busted unfortunately. The baskets are top-of-the-line Pro 28s and thankfully not Prodigy like much of North Atlanta now-a-days. Lots of multiple basket placements with several holes having four placements. The options will definitely entice re-visits if they move-em around regularly. Pin placement indicators were present on all the signs. Benches were present on every hole although not every pad. There is a disc return drop box conveniently located after basket (18) and i think I recall seeing three practice baskets.
- SIGNAGE AND NAVIGATION - The tee signs are excellent. Beautiful, artistic and with all the information that is needed including next tee direction. I liked that the sign posts had color coded caps corresponding with the tee color designation. The shared pads even had both colors represented on the cap. There are also many navigational cues after holes. I'm not sure if there's a posted course map as I parked in the wrong lot and started on (18).

Cons:

Not for beginners.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - I don't take off rating points for this, but bringing a first timer out here isn't appropriate. The short tees are targeted to MA2s and perhaps MA3s. MA4s that like medium length woods courses and don't care about being 20 over, may dig it too. The course is just too complex for the newest of new players. Several holes require threading a disc down a narrow tree lined fairway. Those with poor precision will constantly be hitting trees. I did see a family of eight playing here and it took them 10 minutes to play half of a hole before they let me play through. Disc loss potential is medium. I just don't see how the course translates to players just starting out.
- TIME PLAY - This is not a quick course. I was here almost 90 minutes. Recon will occur several times over a round when a ricochet heads the wrong way. It's an enjoyable hike though. I also don't take off points for time play.
- MISC - The fairway line on (8) to the long basket is ridiculous. No one has skills good enough to hit a blind arcing elongated pocket 6 feet wide 280 feet out unless they are touched by an angel. Placement (A) on hole (9) is literally in a tree. So dumb, ugly and unnecessary. Both (11) and (14) require pro level skills even from the front tees. The course also oddly felt a bit monotonous by the end of my round. I like heavy woods, but 17 of them makes the course seem a bit too reliant on one element. The last three holes are also the blandest 3-hole stretch on the course. I like it when courses finish strong.

Other Thoughts:

The Tracks can be added to the long list of gems in the Atlanta area. This is the 9th Atlanta metro course I've rated above a 3.75. By far the most for any metro area that I've bagged. The Tracks is very close to another nearby established gem in J.P. Moseley. The pairings are not carbon copies, but they both deliver high quality gameplay with bountiful play options. I do give a personal slight edge to J.P. as there are more variations in that course over the mostly one theme element here at the Tracks. Anyways, Solid 4.0 course to me. I think its destination level for those that are at the MA2 level and above and that like woods golf. Reminds me of courses like Maggie and Jack McLean in north Florida, Edwards in north Georgia, Grand Central in western South Carolina, and Monte Sano in Huntsville Alabama.
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18 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13 years 245 played 242 reviews
4.00 star(s)

No Blood on These Tracks

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

I had hoped to get this review written last week before the year turned over but I got sick and found it hard to express.

A friend of mine told me about this one and said it was epic and I have to say he was not wrong. This from the long tees is a lengthy wooded track with multiple tees on most holes and multiple pin locations that can make it easier or harder.

It's wooded, and the rough isn't super forgiving but it is fairly well worn so that fairways are well defined and greens have sight lines to the basket envelopes if they aren't all cleared.

Benches on every hole I think, and the signs at pretty accurate except for a few that make the doglegs feel milder than they are. I mean it's probably real, but some of these feel super sharp.

Many long true multi shot holes where even the best players will be tested on distance and accuracy. It's a great test for all players and though I've not played a rated round here I think if you science under par from the longs you have accomplished something.

Pads are a good size in concrete and the baskets are newer disccatchers that are in good shape.

It is very fun and has shades of Edwards, Perkerson and Gatewood about it but it's got its own vibe and I really enjoyed it.

Possibly my favorite new GA course of the many I played this year.

Cons:

The cons here are not many but I'll rattle them off really fast. It's easy to miss the entrance, the parking area is small and you can't really see it other than the few by the bathroom.

True to its name, it's on the railroad tracks. It is active and loud as hell when the train is passing.

Navigation isn't perfect, but it's good enough. Walking path is very near greens in 2–3 spots and is fairly busy.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course and one I can't wait to play again, it's the type of course I love and typically do well at and would love to try a tournament here.
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7 1
slippingdiscs
Experience: 27 played 27 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Right Side of the Tracks 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

Plenty of wooded holes
Not buggy
Some fun placement of baskets
Several practice baskets
Plenty of parking

Cons:

Poorly marked entrance
Poor signage to first hole

Other Thoughts:

This is a fun, wooded course. I played this course while on vacation. It's definitely a must if in the area.
The entrance is hard to find. Follow your navigation directions even though it doesn't seem to be telling you the right way.
The first hole location isn't obvious. It's located to the right of the practice baskets.
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14 0
Ted Chancey
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The Tracks at Jonesboro Road in McDonough 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 27, 2021 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Innova designed 18 Hole course, with Disc Catcher baskets
18 concrete gold tees
14 concrete blue tees
Brooms on every tee pad
Metal benches on every gold tee
Trash cans throughout the course (please use them!)
Multiple pin locations and new ones being added
Plenty of parking right at hole one, hole eighteen finish is adjacent to hole one.
Restrooms at parking lot, open if allowed during Covid
Several holes (1-5) play along the rail road tracks
Good mix of long and short holes
Disc drop box attended regularly, located just past hole eighteen's basket
Several holes with substantial elevation changes
Easy navigation
Signs on every gold tee, please use UDisc for more detailed info
Three minutes off I-75, plenty of dining options close by
Constant upkeep, improvements, added on Feb 5, a hand sanitizing station at hole one

Cons:

Even with blue tees on fourteen holes, not the most beginner friendly course with many narrow fairways
Some of the rough can be ROUGH
If you are easily distracted, there are the trains

Other Thoughts:

This wooded course on the south side of the ATL is not to be missed, in this reviewers opinion easily a top three course in metro Atlanta
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12 0
Crupie
Experience: 15.6 years 142 played 5 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A BEAST! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 24, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Incredible practice area with 3 baskets (with different surroundings for variety) multiple benches, and well situated to the parking lot and first tee
-Most of the holes are aesthetically pleasing. The downhill par 5 in particular was a beautiful hole with a nice defined fairway and well maintained train tracks along part of the fairway. A passing train added to the ambiance of The Tracks
-Walking path throughout the course, starting at the parking lot and leading to 4 or 5 different tee boxes without being in danger of any holes
-Based on other reviews it looks like the course has really matured nicely. Fairways are well maintained with logs lining most of the fairways
-Great baskets, concrete pads, benches on most holes, and intuitive hole routing keeps you from getting lost
-Good hole variety providing lots of risk reward. Long throwers can be punished if they miss the fairway while laying up provides its own challenge with tough angles and lines to hit. If you are throwing far and hitting fairways you can score here
-The par 4s and 5 are true to their par. Some require shot placement while others reward a bombed drive.

Cons:

-Hole signs could benefit from a hole map rather than a stock train image. If not for Udisc I would have walked a bunch of fairways to know where the basket was.
-A few fairways could still use some work, either leveling them out or removing a few stumps/bushes. The par 5 standsout - some spots felt like it was an old access road with tire ruts leaving uneasy footing. I was in the middle of the fairway but had a tough lie where an ankle injury was still in play. Either mulch or leveling could help with this

Other Thoughts:

A woods course lover's wet dream. Similar to East Roswell but longer. Some of the "rough" along the fairways can be super punishing and may benefit from some brush removal. If this course were closer to me (~50 minutes) it would be on my regular rotation of courses played. This course will punish beginners but is a great test for experienced players. Ill be looking forward to some tournaments here!!
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10 0
Cerealman
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.4 years 665 played 195 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Tough with tons of timber 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Tracks @ McDonough offers a challenging, woods-only experience that is occasionally punctuated with the sounds of a passing train. The course is new and in the process of being broken in. And be clear, with an average hole length of nearly 400 feet and elevation on about half the holes, this is serious, non-recreational-level disc golf.

The practice area is excellent. There are three practice baskets, and two of the baskets are on or next to a small hill with trees, allowing for more putting variety while warming up.

A number of the holes have logs lining the edge of the fairway, which provides a lovely aesthetic and strategic touch.

Even though the course is woods, woods and more woods, there is a good degree of variety. There are a couple of narrow, short holes and there are a few monsters, including the twisting Hole #4, which clocks in at 732 feet and is rated a par 5.

The navigation from hole to hole is excellent. Even though the course crosses over a walkway a few times and there is a short walk between several of holes, the arrows on trees make for easy traversing. I was playing The Tracks for the first time, and I never looked around for the next hole.

Hole #9 has an fascinating basket location. It's not only elevated but between several branches in the center of a tree, which increases the putting challenge.

The course concludes with three of the shorter holes, which might be a welcomed relief if you've been beating your head (and discs) against the trees.

Cons:

Not having maps on the signs is an enormous error. For most of the holes, the basket is not easily visible from the teepad. Several of the longest holes change directions. For first-timers, this course will be more challenging to play due to the lack of clear instructions.

The Tracks wasn't designed to be fun. The twisting and narrow fairways ensure a lot of challenging, scramble disc golf. The areas just off the narrow fairways are heavily wooded and make recovery shots problematic. Several holes feature trees that are annoyingly positioned in the already contracted fairway. A few more baskets are tucked into tight spots that add to the difficulty.

Regarding scoring, this is not a birdie-fest. Making par will feel rewarding on most of the holes. I agree with JRod's scorecard comment: "Birdies are tough to get … and par is near impossible from a few." However, if you visit the Tracks with down-to-earth expectations, you'll likely enjoy your round more.

I will quibble with listing Hole #11 as a par-3. This is one of the most challenging holes on the course with a narrow fairway and a steep ascension on the second half of the hole. At 411 feet, only top-rated professionals will have a chance at getting their drive into putting range. No way should this hole be listed as a par 3. A couple of the 500-foot-plus par-4s at the Tracks are easier.

Other Thoughts:

I appreciate tough courses, especially in the woods, but there were a few holes at the Tracks where I stood on the teepad, gazed down the crooked fairway and thought "discs don't fly that way." The judicious use of a chain saw in spots would improve the course's fairness and appeal.

Despite a few design flaws, there's a lot of good disc golf in these woods. Hopefully you'll enjoy your experience at The Tracks and won't feel like you were railroaded into playing this course.
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13 0
Shadrach3
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 6.2 years 339 played 325 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Very Fine Woods Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 19, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Tracks, though only months old, is already a pleasant course with clean and interesting lines.

-Amenities: Multiple practice baskets, concrete tees, brand new DISCatchers, excellent next tee signage, and even a lost disc box. No course map, but it was so well-marked that I never needed one.

-Ambience: The Tracks plays through a very nice tract of woods, next to a rail line and working around a trail (no pedestrian risk). It's a great feeling to throw through a forest, and the course only makes it better with appropriate logs marking the fairways and very tasteful (if not particularly helpful) tee signs. It's also fun to hear a train come past during the middle of your round.

-Clearing: I'm very impressed at how clear the fairways already are. There's a little more work to be done, but mostly the fairways are ideal in terms of skippy-ness and grippy-ness for woods play, both on the wider and the tighter holes.

-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: I can't think of a single boring hole. Doglegs left and right, flex lines, huge curling holes, straight shots, tight gaps, gentle curves, placement shots, split fairways, par 4s and 5s, breathable and tight fairways, ups and downs--the Tracks has all of them. For example, within the first 4 holes I had to make a lay-up/go-for-it decision, execute a placement shot, throw a perfect flex, and attempt a woods par 5. There are some very difficult shots out here that will have a player of any level feeling satisfied, and you have to pick a line on every hole.

-Difficulty: I think the Tracks will be an upper intermediate or advanced challenge. After the first eight holes I was thinking that it didn't seem too tough, but then the trees closed in and the overall course difficulty shot up.

-Multi-Tees/Pins: Several holes have different tee and pin options, but it's not really a big pro. I didn't know whether or not each hole had a short tee until I walked past it (the only flaw in the otherwise amazing next tee signage). Also, the second pin placements in many cases weren't different enough to warrant their existence.

Cons:

The course can't entirely hide its newness, and at times feels repetitive.

-Youth-Related Cons: The most obvious is the tee signage. The Tracks deserves a thorough map on each tee. Secondly, the fairways, while good, are not perfect yet. There are some random clumps of vegetation that shouldn't be there, a stump here and there, and there hasn't been time for a good layer of pine straw and natural debris to smooth over the mud yet.

-Repetition: Once you get most of the way into your round, some of the hole designs feel a little familiar. There are several holes that curl back more sharply than a dogleg, and I became bored of them. Also, the back nine feels like it has a lot of holes that begin with a very straight and tight fairway, and then several hundred feet down have a small pocket to the left or right. These are good hole designs that every course needs, but somehow the Tracks just crams too many similar ones in. I loved the first seven holes or so, and (16)-(18) were a good finish, but in between I was getting tired of the same two kinds of shots.

-Monothematic: The Tracks is entirely wooded. Only (16) could be considered open, and that's a short hole. There are some slightly more breathable holes, but it's essentially one biome throughout. You have to be virtually perfect to get an Excellent for a course without much terrain variety.

-Choice: There isn't much flexibility at all in terms of shot choice in between the tight fairways and no intentional design for multiple flight paths. Small con only.

-Not Beginner Friendly: Maybe the first seven holes would be okay. After that, way too difficult to hit the fairway or scramble for anyone less than a determined rec player.

Other Thoughts:

As so often happens in reviewing courses, I was torn between rating the Tracks as "Very Good" or "Excellent." I settled for the former mainly due to the first two cons listed. I really enjoyed my round at the Tracks. For those familiar with Little Mulberry, the Tracks feels like that but not yet polished and a touch harder. With a little bit of wearing in and signage, the course could become Excellent. I slightly overstated its status in my original review, but even if not a Top 3 in Atlanta, it's still an asset to the metro area.
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10 0
chaysegrizzell
Experience: 5.7 years 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Feels like ball golf! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 11, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Challenging par 3's.
-Defined fairways lined with logs to mark the beginning of the rough (awesome touch).
-Aesthetically pleasing.
-Good variety of forehand and back hand lines.
-Elevation change.
-Away from pedestrians.
-Multiple practice baskets.
-Multiple well made green complexes.
-Good variety of 3's, 4's and 5's.
-Very fair for experienced players with at least intermediate to advanced distance.

Cons:

-Not for beginners with current tee pads.
-Opened in February but new vegetation is starting to grow in some fairways during the spring. Can easily be cleaned up.
-The front 9 does not end close to the parking area
-Hole #8. Not very long, but the basket is almost impossible to access from the tee. The fairway could be widened on the right side or a few of the trees further down the left rough could be removed to give the disc more distance to push forward before cutting hard right. As it it currently stands, the hole is around 215, but you only have about 60-70 to get forward push before the hole starts to turn hard right and you still have another 130-150 feet to the basket. There's also a low ceiling, so you can't go high to give yourself a little more air room to get extra glide. Not to mention the initial 60-70 feet is a 9ft wide tunnel shot. You only have 1 option and it's not a very good one. Seems like a waste of a hole where par is easy, but birdie is nearly impossible barring a throw in or a long circle 2 look.

Other Thoughts:

I wish this course were around when I grew up in McDonough. May have picked up the game sooner. I live in ATL and it's only about 30 minute drive without traffic. Just as close as anything else around the metro area. Reminds me a little bit of Mulberry.

This course has the potential to be one of the top 2 or 3 courses in ATL, once it has matured a little. No signage yet, but I'm sure it will be coming soon. I hope there will be a team to help maintain this course, because it deserves it.

I'd like to kind of compare the course to an actual ball golf course in the woods made for discs. I love how most, if not all fairways are lined with logs to mark the beginning of the rough. The fairways are almost completely cleared of random trees and you don't have to worry about that ghost tree, which shouldn't be in play, that ends up grabbing your disc after you throw a great shot. All in all, this is a job well done.

Side note** as a word of advice or suggestion for any tournament directors out there, this course would make the perfect counter part to JP Mosley. Both courses are somewhat close together and are begging to be paired together for a weekend tourney... could be an A-tier in my personal opinion. Easily comparable to the Mega City Mega Bowl in Birmingham, Alabama.

Also my player rating is around 930. Just thought I'd point that out as a reference to how valid my comments may or may not be.
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8 1
Bakenstine
Experience: 18.5 years 106 played 18 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Proto-review, check back once signage goes up 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 30, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Long distances, technical layout, great use of elevation and natural obstacles including multiple treehouse basket placements.

3 Practice baskets by parking lot.

Well cleared and planned, serious challenge for big arms and rec players alike.

Cons:

Kinda awkward to enter park during construction, but this too shall pass.

Signs aren't up yet, but will be soon. Layout flow is reasonable but there are a couple points that are slightly confusing, but again, I am sure this is temporary.

If u aren't down to play a long 18, its difficult to bail before like 13, and by then you are 2 hours in. Just expect a long course and bring Deet and lots of liquids.

Other Thoughts:

So glad this course is done, it's in my top 10 in GA if not top 5 metro Atlanta for sure!
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