Tobacco Road Golf Club

422 Tobacco Road, Sanford, NC 27332

Designer: Mike Strantz

Overview

Tobacco Road Golf Club stands as one of golf's most notable courses, crafted by legendary course designer Mike Strantz from a tobacco farm turned sand quarry. Established in 1998, this landmark design continues to redefine golf in the Sandhills of North Carolina and stretches the boundaries of traditional golf course architecture. This Mike Strantz design will have you coming back year after year, offering what many consider to be one of the most entertaining rounds in American golf. This was my third round in the last 5 years, and the course remained as entertaining as ever.

What Was Impressive

Unique Design Philosophy: Strantz allowed the rolling terrain to evolve into one of golf's most uncompromising designs, with panoramic views and stunning vistas. At this abandoned quarry with its mix of clay and sandy loam, he found appealing attributes including sandy pits, gnarly vegetation, wetlands, and significant land movement.
Strategic Variety: On every par-3 on the course (and many other holes), your approach can be as varied as your imagination allows. Pro Tip: Club selection is key!
Strantz gave golfers all kinds of options on how to approach holes, rewarding creativity and course management over pure power.
Memorable Holes: Every hole is a signature hole. Hard to believe but it is absolutely true.
Pure Fun Factor: Throughout your round, you will contend with some Sahara sized bunkers, some forced carries, some wild putts, several elevation changes, and full time fun. It looks more intimidating than it really is, and all these features have a purpose.
Course Conditions: Conditions were stellar with tee shots running out and the greens accepting well-placed approaches. The greens were in excellent condition, and the conditioning is great. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep Tobacco Road Golf Course difficult yet friendly.
The course benefits from excellent drainage due to its sandy base construction. The course has a sand base and drains well so rain and wet areas should not be an issue.
Forgiveness Factor: There is actually more forgiveness throughout the course than you might imagine.

What Could Be Improved

Limited Clubhouse Amenities: The clubhouse feels like a cabin with all the natural wood and houses the pro shop and grill. It's not "upscale" like many other golf clubs.
Physical Demands: Be aware that walking the course may be challenging for players.

Pro Tip: Best suited for: Golfers who appreciate creative design, strategic play, and don't mind rustic amenities in exchange for an exceptional on-course experience. Tobacco Road Golf Club delivers an unforgettable golf experience that prioritizes fun and creativity over conventional design. While the clubhouse amenities may be modest and the course physically demanding, the exceptional conditioning, strategic variety, and pure entertainment value make it a must-play destination for golfers seeking something truly different.

Course Conditions 5 stars
Fun 5 stars
Value 4 stars
Amenities 3 stars