First erected in 2007, the W.R. Jackson Course at the International Disc Golf Center in Appling, Georgia, is the crown jewel of the Professional Disc Golf Association's global headquarters. Originally clocking in at more than 9,500 feet and boasting a par of 68 from the long tees, it's long been featured at PDGA Major events – namely, 2017 Pro Worlds and the 2011 PDGA Championship – and has anchored the Ed Headrick Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic since it opened.
But as disc golf has grown, so has the need for some changes to the revered track. And that doesn't happen overnight.
In fact, it's taken roughly two years. Now, with the Hall of Fame Classic set to put a bow on another PDGA National Tour season in two weeks, Jackson is ready to be unveiled after a labor-intensive facelift spearheaded by IDGC Manager and HOFC Tournament Director Zach Shafer and IDGC Assistant Tom Lynch.
Six new holes, three more short tees, and the removal of holes 11 through 13 – previously known as the oft-maligned "Turkey Gulch" – highlight the main revisions to the layout, which ultimately keeps the par at 68 while adding significant distance to bring its new length to 10,485 feet.
Definitely one of my bucket list courses.
