Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
3185 Tot Hill Farm Road, Asheboro, NC 27205
Designer: Mike Strantz
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Overview
Tot Hill Farm is a must play, bucket list golf experience located 50 minutes from Pinehurst, Charlotte, Raleigh and the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. One of just nine Mike Strantz golf courses in the world, Tot Hill Farm is thriving after a 2023 restoration effort, bringing its architecture back into the limelight. Tot Hill Farm Golf Club is a vintage Mike Strantz design that opened in 2000 to rave reviews as one of the toughest tracks in the Carolina's.
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What Was Impressive
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Architectural Brilliance: The course is a staggered mix of daring, often outrageous holes (the par-3 13th) dotted with moments of sublime brilliance like the par-5 eighth and the par-4 17th. Strantz's signature style shines through in every hole, creating a truly unique golf experience that challenges conventional design. Every par-3 hole is simply sick; have to see them to believe it.
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Strategic Challenge: Every hole feels a bit scary, but just like Mike Stranz's more famous Tobacco Road, there's always more room than you think and pars are on the menu. The course rewards creative shot-making and strategic thinking while remaining playable for golfers willing to think their way around.
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Historic Charm: The farmhouse set at the top of a plateau with the golf course laid on the ground below. The middle portion of the two-story structure was built in 1851, the front part added in 1905 and the back part added in 1960. The restored and redesigned building includes a front porch with rocking chairs, a room named "The Strantz Room" with the architect's hole sketches and club logo ideas framed and mounted, a pro shop and grab-and-go concessions room and an entertainment enclave with a fireplace.
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Course Conditions: The challenging terrain has been well-maintained, and the dramatic elevation changes that define the course remain in excellent shape. The restoration has addressed previous conditioning issues while preserving the bold character that makes this course special.
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What Could Be Improved
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Intimidation Factor: The bold design can be overwhelming for casual golfers or those unfamiliar with Strantz's architectural philosophy. The visual intimidation of certain holes may discourage some players.
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Green Adjustment Period: The greens, while slow for now as the new Prizm Zoysia grows in, were very consistent. I struggled to get the ball to the hole early on. Make sure you hit putts confidently and aggressively. New greens from the restoration are still maturing.
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Amenities
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Clubhouse: The historic farmhouse serves as a charming clubhouse, featuring period architecture with modern amenities. The building showcases the course's heritage while providing comfortable pre- and post-round facilities.
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Practice Facilities: Grass tee driving range, putting green and chipping green. The practice facilities provide adequate preparation for the challenges ahead.
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Pro Shop & Dining: The clubhouse includes a well-stocked pro shop and grab-and-go food options. The "Strantz Room" offers a unique tribute to the architect with original sketches and design concepts on display.
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Pro Tip: Best suited for golfers who appreciate bold architecture and strategic challenges, with conditions that continue to improve as the restoration matures. Tot Hill Farm Golf Club stands as a testament to Mike Strantz's genius and represents exceptional value for golfers seeking a truly unique architectural experience. The recent restoration has elevated the course back to its intended glory, making it a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts. While the bold design may challenge conventional golfers, those who embrace Strantz's vision will find themselves rewarded with one of the most memorable rounds in the Carolinas.
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Course Conditions 5 stars
Fun 5 stars
Value 4 stars
Amenities 4 stars