Jones Park reviews
10
0
One of the best in the Triangle 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Apr 9, 2020
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
UPDATED: Jones is one of the best tracks in the Triangle. Period. As far as course design goes, it's stellar. One of the best mixes of open and wooded holes in North Carolina. Two sets of tees on most holes, giving a much different look from the shorter Alt tees. Most of these tees approach the basket from a different angle or a different fairway altogether. The long (blue) tees offer a legitimate advanced level course. The short (white) or alternate tees are a challenging intermediate level course.
As of today, with courses in their current conditions, These are the 4.0+ courses in the Triangle, in my opinion, ranked:
4.5 - Rock Ridge
4.0 - Jones
4.0 - Buckhorn
4.0 - East Clayton
(Zebulon and UNC are borderline 4.0 courses that I have as 3.5's for now.)
+ This is a beautiful course. There are times when you will find yourself looking around and admiring the aesthetics of the course -- the attention to detail, well-defined fairways, walking paths, obstacles, manicured grassy areas, as well as the wooded holes. Jones is one of the best-designed courses I've played...not just in the Triangle, but anywhere.
+ Challenging! The blue tees are a true advanced layout. Intermediate and below players will have a difficult, if not impossible time shooting par. If you can't throw 350 feet with accuracy, you might want to try the white tees, which are also challenging, but better suited for sub-900 rated players. The wooded holes are tight and difficult. The longest holes tend to be more open (although there are some 350+ wooded holes on the back 9). There is also a near-300-foot water-carry hole. Tough track!
+ Jones has everything: open holes, very tight wooded holes, elevation, water hazards. Very few courses have this much variety and difficulty to throw at you.
+ Other than the confusing numbering system, the signage and paths make this course easy to navigate. And there are sufficient DGCR and UDisc layout maps to follow. New players won't have a problem. There are numerous small bridges and boardwalks. I love how many of the trails criss-cross, yet their signs point you in the right direction. I've never played a tournament here, but I bet it's a lot of fun to hang out with other players as you go from hole to hole. It would also be perfect for galleries, as you can quickly jump from hole to hole, watch a tee shot, walk a few yards and see a putt. Also, the signs pointing to the next tee are very visible and helpful. The tee box signs are accurate. The only real navigation cautions I would give are after hole 11 (follow the signs and walk a little longer than usual to hole 15) and after hole 16 (walk up to the paved walking trail by the pond, turn right, and follow it to the steps, which lead down from the tee on the path).
+ Both sets of tees are very large, level, and well-constructed rubber maps over gravel. They have held up very well.
+ Nice DISCater baskets, visible in the woods.
+ Best practice basket I've ever seen: complete 10-meter circle around the basket, artificial turf putting surface.
+ There's really not a bad or an afterthought hole out here...and there are several vying for the title of signature hole (the water hole #9, the downhill tunnel hole #17, the long par 4 #2). Lots of memorable, fun, challenging holes.
+ The 18th hole and final hole (which will be between holes 11 and 15) is being constructed now! The fairway has been cleared and an awesome elevated tee deck constructed. Unfortunately, the town is forcing CADL to take out the tee deck and redesign the hole slightly. Still, I have faith that Jay and the crew from CADL will come up with a solid alternative layout for the hole.
+ Nice playground, if you bring your kids.
As of today, with courses in their current conditions, These are the 4.0+ courses in the Triangle, in my opinion, ranked:
4.5 - Rock Ridge
4.0 - Jones
4.0 - Buckhorn
4.0 - East Clayton
(Zebulon and UNC are borderline 4.0 courses that I have as 3.5's for now.)
+ This is a beautiful course. There are times when you will find yourself looking around and admiring the aesthetics of the course -- the attention to detail, well-defined fairways, walking paths, obstacles, manicured grassy areas, as well as the wooded holes. Jones is one of the best-designed courses I've played...not just in the Triangle, but anywhere.
+ Challenging! The blue tees are a true advanced layout. Intermediate and below players will have a difficult, if not impossible time shooting par. If you can't throw 350 feet with accuracy, you might want to try the white tees, which are also challenging, but better suited for sub-900 rated players. The wooded holes are tight and difficult. The longest holes tend to be more open (although there are some 350+ wooded holes on the back 9). There is also a near-300-foot water-carry hole. Tough track!
+ Jones has everything: open holes, very tight wooded holes, elevation, water hazards. Very few courses have this much variety and difficulty to throw at you.
+ Other than the confusing numbering system, the signage and paths make this course easy to navigate. And there are sufficient DGCR and UDisc layout maps to follow. New players won't have a problem. There are numerous small bridges and boardwalks. I love how many of the trails criss-cross, yet their signs point you in the right direction. I've never played a tournament here, but I bet it's a lot of fun to hang out with other players as you go from hole to hole. It would also be perfect for galleries, as you can quickly jump from hole to hole, watch a tee shot, walk a few yards and see a putt. Also, the signs pointing to the next tee are very visible and helpful. The tee box signs are accurate. The only real navigation cautions I would give are after hole 11 (follow the signs and walk a little longer than usual to hole 15) and after hole 16 (walk up to the paved walking trail by the pond, turn right, and follow it to the steps, which lead down from the tee on the path).
+ Both sets of tees are very large, level, and well-constructed rubber maps over gravel. They have held up very well.
+ Nice DISCater baskets, visible in the woods.
+ Best practice basket I've ever seen: complete 10-meter circle around the basket, artificial turf putting surface.
+ There's really not a bad or an afterthought hole out here...and there are several vying for the title of signature hole (the water hole #9, the downhill tunnel hole #17, the long par 4 #2). Lots of memorable, fun, challenging holes.
+ The 18th hole and final hole (which will be between holes 11 and 15) is being constructed now! The fairway has been cleared and an awesome elevated tee deck constructed. Unfortunately, the town is forcing CADL to take out the tee deck and redesign the hole slightly. Still, I have faith that Jay and the crew from CADL will come up with a solid alternative layout for the hole.
+ Nice playground, if you bring your kids.
Cons:
Honestly, Jones is a borderline 4.5 course and top 25 track in North Carolina. Once it gets an 18th hole and renumbered, I may just have to bump it up.
- The hole numbering is confusing and stems from having to add in new holes at later dates after the original 9, then 15, then 17 went in. This is the current numbering for the standard 17-hole layout (there is an 18-hole layout for tournaments)... 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18. (UPDATE: Hole 11 is currently out-of-commission for a drainage mitigation issue. I believe it will come back, but not 100% sure.)
- The drainage on the last 3 holes isn't good at all, but they are trying to address this. Lots of mud and standing water. The walk up to #16 and the #16 fairway are particularly bad and unavoidable.
- There is a road and a school playground in play on the first couple of holes. I'm not taking off points for this, but you have to be aware of any cars or kids before throwing.
- The hole numbering is confusing and stems from having to add in new holes at later dates after the original 9, then 15, then 17 went in. This is the current numbering for the standard 17-hole layout (there is an 18-hole layout for tournaments)... 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18. (UPDATE: Hole 11 is currently out-of-commission for a drainage mitigation issue. I believe it will come back, but not 100% sure.)
- The drainage on the last 3 holes isn't good at all, but they are trying to address this. Lots of mud and standing water. The walk up to #16 and the #16 fairway are particularly bad and unavoidable.
- There is a road and a school playground in play on the first couple of holes. I'm not taking off points for this, but you have to be aware of any cars or kids before throwing.
Other Thoughts:
All in all, one of the best courses in the Triangle. Once it is completely finished and renumbered, it very well could be a 4.5 course for me and rival Rock Ridge as the very best in the Triangle. And with Rock Ridge being much further out from the population centers in Wake and Durham counties, I would consider Rock Ridge the best course within 30 minutes of downtown Raleigh.
3
1
adambenson87
Experience:
23.8 years
12 played
11 reviews
Exceptional Course (minus 3 holes) 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Feb 6, 2016
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Really fun holes/designs. especially enjoyed the par 4's
- Nice variety of open and wooded, some with water hazards and some without. The variety demands a player to make many different shots.
- good signs including "Next Tee" signs (except for hole 11 - no next tee sign because there is no hole 12)
- good course for all ability levels
- the course is tidily kept (and has a really nice green turf putting area)
- Nice variety of open and wooded, some with water hazards and some without. The variety demands a player to make many different shots.
- good signs including "Next Tee" signs (except for hole 11 - no next tee sign because there is no hole 12)
- good course for all ability levels
- the course is tidily kept (and has a really nice green turf putting area)
Cons:
- holes 12-14 do not exist (yet?)
- no next tee sign after hole 11 (just continue down the path on the right to hole 15)
- Drainage issues. A few soggy/muddy holes.
- there are two extra holes (starting on the other side of the road from hole 1) that don't have signs, are not numbered within the regular 18, and don't feel as interesting as the rest of the course is.
- no next tee sign after hole 11 (just continue down the path on the right to hole 15)
- Drainage issues. A few soggy/muddy holes.
- there are two extra holes (starting on the other side of the road from hole 1) that don't have signs, are not numbered within the regular 18, and don't feel as interesting as the rest of the course is.
Other Thoughts:
There is a recently developed area over by hole 11, which makes me think the designers intended for holes 12 - 14 to go there originally, but I'm not sure. Even without 12 through 14, this course is a gem.
6
1
Best 9'er in Carolin-er? 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jan 3, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
Wow, a Blue level 9 holer very well executed. It's like a good 9-hole section of a Charlotte course was dropped randomly here. It's very satisfying to see the designers filled the park space they had with the 9 best holes they could have instead of trying to cram an 18 in here like so many others would have attempted. Well done, gang.
Immaculate practice basket green, it really is eye-catching. Almost too classy for disc golf really, ha ha. These baskets are a slick chartreuse color (look it up) that really pop out; you could probably night golf unless it's pitch black out.
First reviewer did a good job of describing the holes so I'll skip ahead to what I like best. The fairways are well-defined and the greens are nice and unfettered, very polished looking course already. The fairways are a great width and have a good risk vs reward ratio, the course should reward better skilled players more often than not.
The signage and navigation is excellent, you couldn't ask for better.
Immaculate practice basket green, it really is eye-catching. Almost too classy for disc golf really, ha ha. These baskets are a slick chartreuse color (look it up) that really pop out; you could probably night golf unless it's pitch black out.
First reviewer did a good job of describing the holes so I'll skip ahead to what I like best. The fairways are well-defined and the greens are nice and unfettered, very polished looking course already. The fairways are a great width and have a good risk vs reward ratio, the course should reward better skilled players more often than not.
The signage and navigation is excellent, you couldn't ask for better.
Cons:
Pretty swampy. Lots of mulch thrown down already so kudos for trying but outside of serious French drains or something put in you might want to play elsewhere after a monsoon if you don't want to get your dainty feet wet.
Rubber hexagon tees. They're huge and in great shape currently, I just prefer concrete b/c I am a snob. Hopefully these tees don't get washed out too bad with all the rain lately, that can be an issue with these types.
Hole 7 felt a bit like a filler hole. I'm nitpicking here. It's not a bad hole, just sticks out compared to the other 8.
Rubber hexagon tees. They're huge and in great shape currently, I just prefer concrete b/c I am a snob. Hopefully these tees don't get washed out too bad with all the rain lately, that can be an issue with these types.
Hole 7 felt a bit like a filler hole. I'm nitpicking here. It's not a bad hole, just sticks out compared to the other 8.
Other Thoughts:
For a 9 holer, this course has it all. Long open field hole, water carry, some elevation change, I mean there lots of 18s that wish they had some of these features. I enjoyed holes 4 and 8 the most, 4 being a fun valley type hole and 8 having some nifty terrain offering a high road and a low road of a ridge to play along.
Hole 9 having an alternate tee to avoid water was a nice touch. I think creating alternate tees for the rest of the holes like hole 9 to give it more of an 18 hole feel is preferable to adding 9 new holes unless there is a good chunk of land I'm not aware of.
Hole 9 having an alternate tee to avoid water was a nice touch. I think creating alternate tees for the rest of the holes like hole 9 to give it more of an 18 hole feel is preferable to adding 9 new holes unless there is a good chunk of land I'm not aware of.
5
1
bmoney14
Experience:
11.3 years
111 played
4 reviews
Worth going out of your way 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Dec 18, 2014
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
***EDIT: This course now has 15 holes in, and 12, 13, and 14 will be in soon to make a full 18. Changed from a 3.5 to 4.0 Great course!***
-**Disclaimer: this course only has 9 holes so far
-I saw a run-through video of this course on reddit disc golf, and decided to check it out because it's brand new and was just only recently added to DiscGolfReview
-There is no better way to start off than with how awesome the putting green before hole one is. FANTASTIC. Maybe I am naïve and have never experienced one, but this perfect Astroturf circle putting green had me throwing putters for almost an hour.
-The first two holes are WIDE open, with the second basket at over 600 feet from the tee. Also, the tee pad is almost 20 feet long, which gives anyone plenty of room for a bomb of a drive. All of the tees here are rubber, which I personally love. Some are longer than necessary, but I never felt any of them were even close to being too short. *Hole 2 is apparently a par 4, but I think it should be a par 3 with a new tee farther back and to the right for a par 4. It is just so wide open that a par 4 seems unnecessary.
-The majority of the rest of the holes are wooded, but with clean fairways, and every hole is aceable. No hole is an easy ace, but there is never a fairway so heavily wooded that an ace is impossible. The fairways are clean, but should you venture into the OBs, there will be trouble with underbrush.
-Overall, the course is not favored to lefties, righties, forehand or backhand. There is a great variety for just 9 holes. This course truly is a great course for beginners and advanced players all the same.
-The designers of this course truly care about its success. I met them on my third round of the day, and they are great guys. They are still hoping to get in the full 18, but are unsure with the space that they have in the park. The course has a great deal of mulch on it to cover leaves and to give more support. It would be difficult to lose a disc here.
-The signage is impeccable and the baskets are brand spankin new. They are neon yellow Innova baskets, which I have never seen. The signs are all there for the 9 holes and very accurate.
-The over the pond shot, the final hole, is quite tricky and intense. About 80% of the pond is surrounded by trees, and only an accurate drive will clear the pond. If you throw straight over or to the left, you will hit trees and your disc will surely bounce back into the pong. Honestly, this hole is difficult to par because either your disc will be next to the basket or it will be in the water.
-I played this course three times back to back in about 2 hours and loved it more every time.
-**Disclaimer: this course only has 9 holes so far
-I saw a run-through video of this course on reddit disc golf, and decided to check it out because it's brand new and was just only recently added to DiscGolfReview
-There is no better way to start off than with how awesome the putting green before hole one is. FANTASTIC. Maybe I am naïve and have never experienced one, but this perfect Astroturf circle putting green had me throwing putters for almost an hour.
-The first two holes are WIDE open, with the second basket at over 600 feet from the tee. Also, the tee pad is almost 20 feet long, which gives anyone plenty of room for a bomb of a drive. All of the tees here are rubber, which I personally love. Some are longer than necessary, but I never felt any of them were even close to being too short. *Hole 2 is apparently a par 4, but I think it should be a par 3 with a new tee farther back and to the right for a par 4. It is just so wide open that a par 4 seems unnecessary.
-The majority of the rest of the holes are wooded, but with clean fairways, and every hole is aceable. No hole is an easy ace, but there is never a fairway so heavily wooded that an ace is impossible. The fairways are clean, but should you venture into the OBs, there will be trouble with underbrush.
-Overall, the course is not favored to lefties, righties, forehand or backhand. There is a great variety for just 9 holes. This course truly is a great course for beginners and advanced players all the same.
-The designers of this course truly care about its success. I met them on my third round of the day, and they are great guys. They are still hoping to get in the full 18, but are unsure with the space that they have in the park. The course has a great deal of mulch on it to cover leaves and to give more support. It would be difficult to lose a disc here.
-The signage is impeccable and the baskets are brand spankin new. They are neon yellow Innova baskets, which I have never seen. The signs are all there for the 9 holes and very accurate.
-The over the pond shot, the final hole, is quite tricky and intense. About 80% of the pond is surrounded by trees, and only an accurate drive will clear the pond. If you throw straight over or to the left, you will hit trees and your disc will surely bounce back into the pong. Honestly, this hole is difficult to par because either your disc will be next to the basket or it will be in the water.
-I played this course three times back to back in about 2 hours and loved it more every time.
Cons:
-Obviously this course would benefit from having the full 18 holes, especially of the caliber that the front 9 are.
-Several fairways do not drain well
-Aside from the second hole, there are no holes over 400 feet. I understand that this is because of the size of the park, but having longer holes would encourage me to raise my rating. If only a few more holes were over 400 feet, this course would be truly excellent.
-This is not really a con for the course, but the park is within an area that many, many families visit. There were quite a few children running around, and they were occasionally running around on the fairways unsupervised
-Several fairways do not drain well
-Aside from the second hole, there are no holes over 400 feet. I understand that this is because of the size of the park, but having longer holes would encourage me to raise my rating. If only a few more holes were over 400 feet, this course would be truly excellent.
-This is not really a con for the course, but the park is within an area that many, many families visit. There were quite a few children running around, and they were occasionally running around on the fairways unsupervised
Other Thoughts:
Honestly I might come out here again just for the warmup putting green. It's so great. AWESOME.
The guys who made this course really care about keeping it clean, and seem like great guys. I certainly will return, and if they manage to get 18 holes in, I will probably consider this to be one of my favorites.
I would give this a 4.5 if 18 holes, but I don't think they can get it to a five with the space they have.
The guys who made this course really care about keeping it clean, and seem like great guys. I certainly will return, and if they manage to get 18 holes in, I will probably consider this to be one of my favorites.
I would give this a 4.5 if 18 holes, but I don't think they can get it to a five with the space they have.
