If you're planning a trip to North Carolina to play golf, you would be remiss not to take a trip to Tobacco Road.
Where is Tobacco Road Golf Course?
Tobacco Road Golf Course is located in Sanford, North Carolina. The exact address is 442 Tobacco Rd Sanford, NC 27332-9167. It's situated in the golf-rich state of North Carolina, near Pinehurst, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. Conveniently located about 20 mins north of Southern Pines and 25 mins from Pinehurst, NC. Tobacco Road is also just 50 mins from Durham and Chapel Hill.
What's the best way to get to Tobacco Road Golf Course?
The best way in my opinion is to fly into Raleigh Durham Airport and rent a car. Once on the road you'll find it a smooth drive down a state highway. After leaving the airport rental car area, you should be able to arrive within an hour.
Who Owns Tobacco Road Golf Course?
Mark Stewart is the owner of Tobacco Road Golf Course. He once had an idea to build a golf course on his family's old sand pit, which turned out to be a successful venture. The golf course was crafted by Mike Strantz, an award-winning architect, and has received numerous accolades for its unique layout and design. In addition to ownership, Mark Stewart also partners with KemperSports for consulting services at the golf club.
Who Designed Tobacco Road Golf Course?
Tobacco Road Golf Course was designed by Mike Strantz. Strantz was an American golf course architect based out of South Carolina. He was known for his artful and imaginative designs, and Tobacco Road is often considered one of his masterworks. Strantz's innovative design approach, which combined his passions for art and golf, has left a lasting impact on the world of golf course architecture.
What do people love about Mike Strantz Golf Courses?
People love Mike Strantz Golf Courses for a variety of reasons:
- Artistic Design: Strantz was not only a golf course architect but also an artist. His creative and innovative designs are often described as 'bold' and 'artistic'. Each course he designed is unique and carries a distinct signature style that sets it apart.
- Challenging Playability: Strantz's courses are known for their challenging playability. They offer a variety of strategic options, making each round a new experience. This makes them appealing to golfers of all skill levels.
- Integration with Nature: Strantz had a knack for seamlessly integrating his courses with the natural landscape. He used the existing terrain to its best advantage, creating courses that are both beautiful and environmentally sensitive.
- Attention to Detail: The attention to detail in Strantz's designs is second to none. From the positioning of bunkers and greens to the selection of grasses, every element is carefully considered and integrated into the overall design.
- Legacy and Influence: Despite his relatively short career, Strantz made a significant impact on golf course design. His courses are not only loved by those who play them, but they also continue to influence new generations of golf course architects.
What are some of the common criticisms of Tobacco Road Golf Course?
While Tobacco Road Golf Course is often praised for its unique design, some common criticisms include:
- Test of Skill: Some critics argue that the course may not be a good test of golf skill. Superior skill may not always be rewarded as heavily compared to other courses.
- Intimidation Factor: The course's distinctive layout and challenging features can be intimidating for some players, potentially impacting their performance.
- Cart Path Conditions: There have been mentions about the course needing an upgrade on cart paths, as they are reportedly bumpy in certain places.
- Polarizing Design: The course has also received mixed reviews since its opening in 1998, due to its bold design. This has led to a polarization among golfers, with some loving it and others finding it overly challenging.
It's important to note that these criticisms are subjective and may vary based on individual player preferences and experiences.
What are the most well-known holes at Tobacco Road?
The most well-known holes at Tobacco Road Golf Course are Hole 13 and Hole 9. But almost every hole has something awesome about it.
Tobacco Road Golf Hole 1, Par 5 measuring 556 yards
Immediately upon walking to the first tee, the stage is set for what will be an extremely memorable day. You're tasked with teeing off into a landing area guarded by two extremely large mounds, offset, which collectively obscure the true size of the landing area.
From the fairway, you're going to be greeted by another set of mounds that very much obscure your view of the layup area and even how you would play a shot into the green in two.
#1 is just an extremely unique hole.
Tobacco Road Golf Hole 13 is a Par 5, measuring 536 yards.
It's celebrated as one of the most favorite holes on the course by many players, and even considered one of the favorites globally by some. The hole is often referred to as controversial due to its challenging layout. Players can reach the hole in two shots, but it requires a strategic approach and a bit of risk-taking. It's a bit of a double dog leg, so you can lay up with a 200-yard shot to the left. Or, if you want to take it over a grove of trees and have a significantly shorter shot into the green, you can do that as well.
What makes this hole unforgettable is the large mounds that protect the front of the green. There's a narrow walkway between the two mounds, but you're going to need to carry the ball over them with a short iron to hit the green. Simply not a hole you will see anywhere else.
Tobacco Road Hole 9, a 427 Yard Par 4
This is known as one of the more controversial holes on the course. It covers some of the toughest terrains on the course. The unique layout and challenge it presents make it memorable for many players. You're teeing off into an intentionally confusing landing area, where, the amount of room you have over the bunkers on the left is hard to judge, even with a yardage book. You're then playing into an elevated, narrow green that you can't totally see, backed by one of the enormous mounds you encountered on the 1st hole.
However, Tobacco Road is known for its distinctive and artistic design throughout all its holes, making it a unique golfing experience.
Tobacco Road Hole 17, a 142 yard par 3
This is a green the likes of which you will not see elsewhere. It's a short and seemingly innocuous hole, but the green at it's midpoint is about 3-4 paces deep, forming more or less a double green connected by a small walkway. There's simply not a lot of room to go long, and short is of course extremely well-bunkered. Just an extremely unique hole.
The Tobacco Road Golf Course is simply a must-play for any trip to North Carolina. You might think it's gimmicky, but at the end of the day this course is too imaginative not to at least respect the effort that was put in by Mike Strantz and his team.
What do golf enthusiasts say about Tobacco Road?
Here are some reviews from golf enthusiasts who have played at the Tobacco Road Golf Club:
"Tobacco Road is one of the most unique courses I've ever played. The design is quirky but fun, and every hole presents a new challenge. The maintenance of the course is exceptional, with the fairways and greens in great condition. The natural beauty of the terrain only adds to the experience, with stunning views around every corner." - Golf Advisor
"The course is incredibly challenging, with strategically placed sand traps and water hazards. The terrain is hilly and requires a lot of walking, so be prepared for a workout. The natural features of the course are incorporated into the design in a way that makes for a truly unique round of golf. The quality of the golf carts is top-notch, and the staff is friendly and accommodating." - Tripadvisor
"Tobacco Road is a true test of golf. The course is designed to challenge even the most experienced golfers, with narrow fairways and well-placed bunkers. But the beauty of the course cannot be overstated. The rolling hills and natural scenery make for a breathtaking round of golf. The amenities provided by the club are excellent, with a pro shop and restaurant that offer everything you need for a day on the course." - Golf Digest
"What sets Tobacco Road apart is the creativity of the design. The course is unlike any other I've played, with holes that require creative shot making and strategic thinking. The maintenance of the course is superb, with the greens rolling true and the fairways in pristine condition. The quality of the golf carts is also noteworthy, as they are comfortable and easy to operate." - Golf Advisor
"The course is challenging but fair, with a variety of tee options to accommodate players of all skill levels. The natural beauty of the terrain is a highlight, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The design of the course is innovative, with unique features like "The Mound" and "Devil's Drop" that add to the overall experience. The amenities provided by the club are excellent, with a well-stocked pro shop and a restaurant that serves delicious food." - Golfweek
Overall, the Tobacco Road Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the most unique and challenging courses in the United States. The design, maintenance, and amenities provided by the club make for an exceptional golfing experience. Golf enthusiasts who are up for a challenge and appreciate natural beauty will surely enjoy playing at this iconic course.