Tobacco Road Golf Course Reviews

Extremely challenging course. Shot my best score ever here. Enjoyed it tremendously!

I have a real problem with this course, it has ruined me from playing any other golf course! Visually, there is nothing close. Period. The conditions (October 2016) were beyond anything I would expect from a public course. I have played many exclusive clubs before and this course ranks with any of them for conditions of the fairways, tees and the greens were the best I have played. They were receptive yet firm. Slick but not too fast.

Course makes you think on every shot. Risk reward play has never been taken to this level. Simply put, if you are ever anywhere near North Carolina, get here. You won't regret it.

JoAnna is the best! She is a pleasure to work with when setting up trips. I've been coming down for the past 5 years or so and the courses are amazing and all the accommodations are clean and convenient to the courses. Thanks again!

probably my favorite course of all time. Been living in Raleigh for a year and consider it my home course. Take all my visiting friends and family there to show it off. I have shot my lowest round there. greens are perfect.

But the pro there by the name of Chris is consistently the most unfriendly person in the customer service industry i have ever met. My last experience checking in at the pro shop wont ever happen again. i will not return until he is gone.

16 is the worst hole in America. I liked the course because it was different. Somewhat corky.

Always a favorite place to play. The course is always in good condition and the staff is very helpful with tips on the course.

Best Golf Course Ever Played!!! Staff Very Professional!!!

Awesome course and a lot of fun. I'd recommend playing it twice as the first round can chew you up but the 2nd round will allow you to show since you'll have a better grasp of distances and where to hit the ball. One of my favorite courses in the area.

Brilliantly creative, wonderfully imaginative. Nothing else like it. When you tee it up on #1, you will say, "oh my!" Be prepared to say it 17 more times.

Weird layout. Odd holes. Challenging plus plus plus. A unique golf experience worth doing. Just do not expect to score. Near impossible. Second time I played, I did not keep score and took a few do overs and had a blast.

I ve played many great courses over the years. This is my favorite by far. Tobacco Road is a special place. The course is always in immaculate shape, the greens are perfect in speed and condition. But most of all, it s how this course is carved out in the beautiful Sandhills of North Carolina. I can truly say, there is nothing like it! If you re on a golf trip to Pinehurst, this is a must for your agenda. 30 min door to door, you will be amazed.

The pro shop and the staff or perfect. The course was even better.

170 dollars for a round of golf in Sanford is stupid!!

The O.G. itself. Now often imitated by never duplicated. Tons of pictures on a post on our user name s website.

PGA Pro Brown has a place to be proud of. Great service. Challenging course with wide fairways and views that will test your skills. Unusual course with lots of variety.

This well-known, popular course is every bit as wild as its reputation. Every hole is its own adventure. Let's just say the bells you are asked to ring on 5-6 different holes when you exit the fairway actually serve a purpose for the players standing back on the tee-box waiting to hit where you are...but they cannot see you. It is a fun course whose conditions are usually good. My complaints are few - the staff can be a little aloof, probably from having dealt with so many tourist players through the years. I know the course was built on an old quarry, but why do the greenside bunkers have to be so hard and rocky? That is fine for the waste areas, but chipping out of bunkers can be, I think, too difficult. Take someone who has played it before your first time, then watch your score go down the next time you play it.

I drive from Myrtle Beach to play Tobacco Road.It is worth it every time! Can't wait to play it again! Great staff! The course speaks for itself!!!!

Played course 3 times. Amazing course shot my lowest score of my life there. Can t wait to go back. It s a course that test every part of your game. Makes you a shot maker.

Well there are not alot of great things I can say about this place.. the food was ok and the beer was cold.. and the course was ok but the people who work there are the most rude people I have ever met. I have golfed from California to Ireland and I have had my fair share of good and bad places.. However this one was not one to write home about. I started about 10-11 that morning and when I came in no one greated me or said hello, the service girl was nice but moved on. The golf pro was very rude and "AS MATTER OF FACT" type of person which is not forthcoming. The man at the shop was ok but I could tell the owner of this course is not there or I know this would not be going on this makes my third time here and I can see it is still going down hill. I can only hope the owners wake up to these errors and try to correct the help that works for them.. I thought it was a beautiful course.

Mike Strantz was an absolute mad genius. This course is psychotic and I loved every minute of it.

Our group of misfits annually torture ourselves here and at Tot Hill Farms, another Strantz masterpiece. TR is always in tip-top shape and the staff is excellent. A statement by my buddy's brother on his first visit here pretty much sums up what to expect from your initial impression and
later reflections. He said "I can see why you want to play here, but why would you want to come back?" Of course he now plays here annually, driving from Cincinnati! Who knew torture could be so fun?

The golf course was in nice shape. It has its blind carries that are unique and fun. I was disappointed that on the third hole the rangers were asking us to speed up. New course, paid alot and this. Also skip the food. It was extremely average.

This course is an event. You must play it twice to understand where and where NOT to hit your shots. I would say if your handicap is 16 or higher bring extra balls! Great friendly staff all around. We enjoyed our round and will be back.

It is as perfect and unique a golf course as it looks. Words don t do it justice. Amazing fairways, greens, scenery, bunkers, etc.

There are a lot of blind shots so it s certainly worth playing several times to try to improve your score.

My favorite golf course I ve ever played. It s THAT good. Trust the reviews, they re all accurate.

I m still a beginner golfer, and I ve played in NC, SC, GA, FLA, TN, VA and CO. This is probably the nicest course I ve ever played. I loved the farm motif. The property was nice, new and very clean. The designers achieved in making you feel like you were stepping back in time in NC s history, when farming dominated the state s economy and culture. I liked the tees were named after farm tools, instead of blues, whites and ladies tees. For example, the white tees were plows, like you d see on a small tractor. The fact that the property was converted from a mine made for very challenging play and the elevation changes are not something you would expect to see in the Sandhills of NC. Loved the course, but it was very hard to play for a beginner. Don t let it hold you back though. The staff and other players were very polite and friendly. I ll be back after some more lessons.

Friendly staff, great layout. Tests all shots, my new favorite place...

Love tobacco road play it every year, the most unique golf course there is, see you next April for the grind.

Course is fantastic! A ton of fun to play and in excellent condition.

Without a doubt, this is by far the most beautiful golf courses I have ever played !

Dates Played: 6/5/13 and 6/8/13.
Mike Strantz has created a masterpiece, a work of art. This course has a lot of character with undulating fairways and greens, tons of blind shots. Words will always fall short to describe the beauty of this golf course; you must play to admire it.
Joe Gay Director of Golf was very helpful. Most other staff members were friendly and cordial (see below)
Only Complaints: Some Greens had burnt spots and bumps. Needs more attention, given this is the Top 100 golf course in the country. The ranger on Wednesday and the starter on Saturday could have been more pleasant.

Awesome golf course! The new Mini-Verde greens are flawless and receptive. Tobacco Road is challenging and always fun to play!

This course lived up to the praise my experienced golf partner had sold us on. Due to cold weather we could not use our replay, but management helped us secure a tee off the next day to replace another local course. The $1 guide book is well worth a study before each tee shot. I hope to return soon

This course was the most unique course I have ever played. The atmosphere is incredible with some of the best views on a golf course. It was a bit challenging but there was close to no out of bounds which created awesome opportunities for interesting shots. It is on the pricey side but it is money well spent. I had the opportunity to go here as part of a college golf team trip and I highly recommend this course to the average to above average golfer!

If you're thinking of playing at Pinehurst, this course is a great option to consider on your there from Raleigh Durham airport. It's extremely precision focused, lots of iron shots and very visually appealing. Also, I lost my range finder and they mailed it to me bubble wrapped without any extra charge. Top notch service, top notch course.

Great club house and golf course, lots of blind shots

I've played here twice and reading reviews from people saying the Pro sucks and then saying the course is beautiful and giving it a 1 star is ridiculous. Also saying its gimmicky is just crazy. Blind shots, tons of sand, deception and fantastic usage of the terrain by Mike Strantz make this my favorite course. I've played all over and this course does it for me the most. Make no mistake, this is not a cookie cutter course. You have to think your way around the course and know your limits. Not overly long of a course but beautifully designed. Both times I was at the course the staff was fantastic and very nice. I'm coming back next year and I can't wait. A definite must play while in the Sandhills.

0800 tee time, put out 0810, didn,t get any better from there. 2 hour 30 minute front nine. Course is very nice condition and difficult. Quit after 12 holes, just way too slow. Martials out there but no real effect. Folks are nice.

From the moment you drive into the property you feel like you are in a unique golf setting. The course makes you hit several blind shots and has a layout unlike anything else you'll ever play

Tobacco Road is a Mike Strantz design that is a top tier golf experience. Any level of golfer will enjoy a round of golf here. The low handicapper will take risks challenging bunkers on ever hole while high handicappers won t be penalized because the fairways are wide. A must play in North Carolina.

Such a beautiful golf course and every shot out there captures your imagination

I have played there maybe 15 times and I have a funny and compelling story from each round. From almost hitting my friend when he was taking a picture to getting my first and only hole in one on the third hole. The course is typically in excellent shape and the new greens are great. The staff is top notch and the course views are incredible. Before you play here you had better know how long you hit each club and be able to hit your spots. This is target golf at it's finest. You do not need to be a giant hitter to play well here just know your distances and stay in the proper areas of the green..... If you cut the corner on 11 and do not make it, my buddy has the record in our group, 7 shots to get out of the waste area. Thank you Michael Strantz for an absolute beauty of a layout. Rest in Peace.

First rate course. Unique and exceptional design. Must play if you are in the area.

Like playing golf on another planet. I am a 3 handicap and it gave me all the challenge I would ever want. Pure fun, and every hole deserves a click of the camera phone. People who complain about this course simply do not have the game to handle it, so they get frustrated. That can happen anywhere. I have played golf in over 25 countries, and this now is on my Top 5 list in the U.S.

Great course, fast greens is always great. Some tricky holes when playing for the first time, would definitely play again.

Visually intimidating course with plenty of trouble. Lots of sand bunkers and/or waste areas. Course was in great shape and highly recommended.

Most unique round of golf I ve ever played. Each hole is so unique, this is a must play. Course was in fantastic shape and the greens were rolling true.

Beautiful course! Make sure you get a caddie though.

Not for the faint of heart. However it's my favorite course in the country. Unusual doesn't begin to describe the experience. Intimidating may be more apropos starting with Hole #1. I've played all the Men's Tees except the 'tips' and can say that if you choose the right tees the course can be very approachable and fun. 10 Hdcp.

This course is one of the few courses that provide the beauty, challenge, and uniqueness that make it memorable for a life time. Having played golf for over 30 years and in 6 different countries I can say that this is a course that I will remember. Like others have mentioned, the guidebook is an invaluable resource to have, even with a sky caddie. It will show you where to hit the ball and more importantly where to not hit it. If you do happen to find one of the well manicured and often sloping fairways, your fun is just beginning. The greens are some of the most challenging I have ever played. Fast and with some serious elevation changes. I can honestly say that I have never four putted a green until I played here on Saturday, and I managed to four putt twice out there.
My only real criticisms of this course are that it is sometimes difficult to figure out where the next tee box was because it wasn't marked that well and that you only get a small bag of range balls (maybe 15-20) for $4. Other than that this course is exceptional and I can't wait to test it again to see if I can improve on the 83 I shot out there.

One of the most unique golf courses you can play. I live in Raleigh and try to play it 3-4 times per year. It never disappoints - always a treat! If you're a golfer, you have to play it! Plain and simple.

Very beautiful well maintained course, some pin positions were impossible to get it close, but as me and my buddy discussed, it was expected and you couldn't complain. I feel if you played it a few times and knew you're spots and distances it's very get able, awesome track.

Probably the most interesting place I've ever played! So much fun, just don't expect to shoot your best round ever.

My all time favorite course! Whata layout. Make sure you play it twice before passing judgement. Greens were in great shape and very fast.

The course has a reputation for being one of the best in America. In the process of running a successful operation, they also support local nonprofit causes such as the Stevens Center. And all the staff, from the caddies to the director, are always cordial and helpful.

Great course - difficult - Martha, Chris & Jordan - along with the kitchen & pro shop staff (and the beer cart girl) we're awesome. Such a great day!

What a fantastic golf course and experience. Service and employees were outstanding. A must play course!

This was the most insane golf course I've ever played. I've never hit so many shots blind in my life.

Blind shots on every hole and without prior knowledge, no idea of which direction to hit. undulating slippery fast greens

There is simply no place like Tobacco Road. I go back every chance I get and always try to go for 36. It is a golf experience like no other. Highly recommend!

Great design, very fun course. Can't wait to play again

Unbelievable experience. From arrival to departure, we were taken care of to the highest regard. We stayed in the Stewart Cabin for two nights, played three rounds, fished and explored the grounds on carts with mounted fog lamps. The course was amazing from the architecture to the physical grounds. Challenging but fun. Highly recommend and will be back!

Great course! Alot of fun but very challenging for a novice golfer

Tobacco Road Golf Club rated 4-1/2 stars.
All golf courses are different, though some are more different than others. And just occasionally, you find a course that is sensationally different. Welcome to Tobacco Road. The first hole alone is enough to put the fear of god into most golfers. Its towering sand dunes and sliver of fairway mark the start of a round you'll not forget. Mike Stranz's larger than life architecture incorporates all manner of challenging features. Love it or hate it, Tobacco Road is worth making a large detour to visit. Personally speaking, we loved it !

Is unique and very challenging. There's lots of blind spots and shots. Is an hour walking course.

Tobacco Road is an experience every golfer must try. If you are ever in the Pinehurst area, play it. Strantz's masterpiece of golf will test both your swing and your mind. Strantz has taken a piece of land no one would ever think a golf course could be built there and constructed easily the most unique and original golf course I have ever played. Outstanding!

What a great experience! I recommend a caddie for your first time. At least a fore caddie. This track is tricky. The clubhouse was quaint. And a unique architecture to the entire course, trails and clubhouse.

One of the top courses in the Pinehurst area. Get a caddie and have a blast. You won't regret it!

Amazingly unique golf course. Never played anything like it. Incredibly intimidating from the tee, but very fair and playable.

I've always heard how amazing this course is and how hard it is...true on both accounts. Had a blast playing and driving the carts through the sand traps.

Incredible golfing experience!! Each hole is as beautiful from the tee as it is looking back from the green and will keep you coming back for more. If you are looking for lodging in the sandhills area consider staying on property. Our group chose the Stewart Cabin package they offer and will be making it a tradition for years to come. I am a believer that staying at the course enhances the experience, but the Stewart Cabin exceeded all expectations and sets the standard.

Fun course, nice change of pace from Pinehurst style layouts.

I have to say this course was absolutely incredible! However there were some things I didn't particularly care for either. I have been wanting to play this course for the last 5 years and it seemed like every time I would try to plan a trip something would come up. Well November of 2019 I finally made it happen. Again, I cannot say enough about the actual course! It was everything I thought it would be and more. I do not think there is another course like it...There may be similar courses but this one was special. It blew my mind to think that someone had actually envisioned what we played. As stated previously there were a few things I didn't care for . First being the driving range. It was kind of a disappointment considering the reputation of the course and the price to play the course. I despise hitting off mats but I understand it is necessary sometimes. It was a very mediocre hitting range that you can find at most muni/cheap courses. The putting greens however were fantastic and really some what prepared you for what you were going to face on the course. The second issue was with figuring out the course and how to navigate it. Even with yardage books and iphone apps it was rather difficult to know where you were suppose to hit and where to drive. There were multiple scenarios were cart paths converged and we had no idea which way to go. Both of these issues caused us to take more time than usual to play our shots. Lastly, I will say of all of these the most important is customer service. While we did not experience bad customer service we did not have a great customer experience when dealing with the staff with the exception of the lady at the grill and one of the rangers. A persons body language, smile and tone all have a big effect on the customer experience. Compared to our previous two days at other courses in the region, this experience was a far cry from the other two. Golfers are what keeps the doors open so I think remembering that would go a long way in the future. Regardless of these 3 issues, I will definitely be back down one day to hopefully get some much needed revenge on the hardest course I have ever played!

EDIT - We were not aware that caddies were available....If this is your first time it is a MUST!!! I have played for 20 years and never been so clueless on a course lol

A unique and wonderfully designed course. Great conditions and great staff combine for a top shelf guest experience...my favorite!!!

Great day. Staff were wonderful. Went with group familiar with the course - good thing. Played with same ball - great thing.

recently visited here. I must say the course is beautiful and the clubhouse is awesome. The golf "pro" Chris is the rudest most unprofessional person I've ever met. I overheard him verbally abusing the staff and I cant believe the owners allow that sort of behavior in a supposedly high end course. I'll never go back there again! There are lots of other courses where you aren't subjected to this type of behavior.

I am giving it 5 stars with a caveat. The course itself is a one of a kind experience. Great visually. For the average golfer like myself I could see where it could end up being a little frustrating at times but we were playing in a best ball format and it made the round much more enjoyable and playable. Would definitely make this a must return each time I come back to the Pinehurst area.

One of a kind layout! Great experience and a super good time. Bring plenty of golf balls because if your hitting it crooked it can be a long day! Would of liked a bit of a discount with most of the fairways plugged and heavily sanded along with portions of a few greens but other than that super track and will definitely be back.

Really unique golf couse. You must play with someone who has played the course before or you will be lost. It was fun