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Brandon, MS

Ross Barnett Reservoir - The Rez DGC

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4.115(based on 41 reviews)
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Ross Barnett Reservoir - The Rez DGC reviews

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15 0
blake833
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14 years 160 played 140 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: 21.2 years 673 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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11 2
Qikly
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.8 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: 21.9 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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12 2
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.2 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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