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.
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.
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.