Tobacco Road Golf Club

442 Tobacco Rd, Sanford, North Carolina, 27330
Type: Public
No. Holes: 18
(919) 775-1940
Architect: Mike Strantz (6)
                      
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Detailed description of Tobacco Road Golf Club

Tobacco Road Golf Club is a Public, 18 hole golf course located in Sanford, North Carolina.

Tobacco Road Golf Course first opened for play in 1998. The course was designed by Mike Strantz.

Tobacco Road Golf Course is a combination of links-style and traditional style but weighted more to being links-style. The fairways are generous, some as wide as ninety-nine yards, and the greens are also big. The quote "Its bark is more intimidating than its bite" aptly describes this course that contains some blind and restricted tee shots. A staff consensus is that the course does not have a signature hole, rather it is, in essence, a "signature golf course."

If you prefer A-to-Z target golf, this isn't for you. Tobacco Road has blind shots and greens with bumps and false fronts. But if your idea of fun is courses that are a head-scratching joy to play, you won't find anything better.

Thanks to the many blind shots that start on the first tee and end with the approach to No. 18, things tend to move slowly here. Best to use the extra time to figure out the target line.

The Tobacco Road Golf Course plays to 6,554 yards and a par of 71 with a course rating of 73.2 and a slope rating of 150. Those are very big numbers for a 6,500-yard par-71 course!

This course has been reviewed 19 times
Golf Course ranker Photo
Portage, MI

Do Not Recall (cart included), played on Saturday, October 2014 at noon

Great imaginative layout. Forget about scoring and just play. It will get you over your fear of playing from the sand.

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, Staff
Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Value
Rank ID # : 022845
Golf Course ranker Photo
Dumont, NJ

$76 (cart included), played on Thursday, April 2014 at 8am

I've seen reviews where they called this course Pine Valley on steroids. I have played Pine Valley and I agree with that comment. Tobacco Road is visually intimidating and is quite a challenge. I really enjoyed this course a lot.

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Rank ID # : 021832
Golf Course ranker Photo
Rapid City, SD

$61 (cart included), played on Thursday, April 2012 at 10am

This is a true Jewel... you have to play this course. So unusual. Wonderful condition, but you have to think and make shots... it is not too tight, lots of landing area, if your yardage is right.. I have to play it again. Maybe tomorrow... This course ranks with some famous places. I would put it up with Old Works, in Montana, Lakoda and Fossil Trace in Colorado. The trail courses in Alabama. Wild Horse in Nebraska, Hideout in Utah... it is a great place to play .. If you don't like a challenge, go to the putt putt courses in Myrtte Beach.

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Value
Rank ID # : 017310
Golf Course ranker Photo

$66 (cart included), played on Wednesday, March 2012 at 8am

Play it every visit. Love it. Take a course guide the first several plays. Essential!!

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area
 
Difficulty
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
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Rank ID # : 017154
Golf Course ranker Photo, Brian Clark
Jackson, MI

$51 (cart included), played on Friday, May 2008 at 6am

Was wearing my Tobacco Road golf hat the other day in Michigan and a fellow looked at me a said, "You played there ? Yes I did. Then we both said, "Toughest and most demanding track we ever played". Bring your "A" game and pick the right tees or it could be a LONG day. You won't see the greens on many of the tee shots w/ MANY deceiving 2nd shots (to the greens) that test your true flight distance. Wish I lived closer, as you MUST play more than once to score here. On my list to return and play someday again.

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Clubhouse
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 016215
Golf Course ranker Photo
Stewartsville, NJ

Guest (cart included), played on Wednesday, June 2011 at noon

This course is awesome! My group has played it each year for the past 5 years and we alway go back, it is one of our favorites in The Sandhills Area. For those of you who may think it is too difficult, my group has found that each time we go back and play it we find it easier since we know the course. Most of my group have shaved at least 5 strokes off their scores from the first year we played. If you visit the area it is a must play.

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Layout, No Houses on Course, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Value
Rank ID # : 015992
Golf Course ranker Photo, Golfer Bob
Eldersburg, MD

$36 (cart included), played on Friday, December 2010 at 10am

Played here 12-3-10 as part of a golf package.

Very unusual design, and very visually intimidating. Sand is everywhere, and there are a ton of blind/screened shots. Consequently, players spend a lot of time shuttling back and forth to scope out their shot, which really slows things down. I thought the course looked somewhat like The Pit, which is down the road a few miles in Southern Pines: very similar visuals.

Conditions on 12-3 were excellent: fairways had been overseeded, so they provided a nice contrast to all of the dormant Bermuda and ubiquitous sand. Greens are gigantic, perhaps the biggest I've ever played. All have serious elevation change and undulations, and putt moderately fast and true (subject to the influence of all the slopes, of course).

A yardage book is ESSENTIAL to get a sense of each hole before play: pin position is especially critical, given the size of the greens. A number of tee shots have significant carries to fair ground, so selection of the appropriate tee box is also very important.

Course has way too much elevation change and distance from green to next tee to be considered walkable, especially for seniors. Clubhouse is nothing fancy, but well stocked, and staff is very personable and helpful.

Overall, I thought TR was a little too overdone, almost like the designer was trying to get a good review in GOLF magazine, rather than building a playable golf course. For reference, I'm about a 15 handicapper, and I suggest that Tobacco Road is NOT for higher handicappers (20+), or anyone who is wild off the tee, as they will not enjoy themselves. Nor do I think it's an "every day" course. It is, however, one that should be taken on as a change of pace, perhaps two or three times a year, and savored like a good single malt. Enjoy.

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course
Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
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Rank ID # : 012461
Golf Course ranker Photo

$46 (cart included), played on Thursday, April 2010 at noon

Played this course with a high handicapper - it was a long day even from the white tees. Enjoyed the overall experience - but would have to be very aware of playing partners next time - it is just too much golf course for some.

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again
 
Condition of Course, Ambiance, Staff, Pro Shop
Difficulty, Layout
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 011068
Golf Course ranker Photo
Woodbridge, VA

$46 (cart included), played on Wednesday, January 2009 at 8am

I am not a very astute golfer, But this is the hardest course I have ever played. If you are a scratch golfer or close then you may enjoy it but it ruined my golf vacation

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Not Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: Worse than average course for the area
 
No Houses on Course
Difficulty, Pace of Play, Food/Bar Facilities
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Pace to play
Overall rating
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Rank ID # : 008153
Golf Course ranker Photo
Pearl River, NY

$46 (cart included), played on Wednesday, March 2009 at 10am

Most visual intiminating course I have every played

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, No Houses on Course
Layout/ Challenge
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Rank ID # : 006709
Golf Course ranker Photo
Ann Arbor, MI

Do Not Recall (cart included), played on Sunday, November 2008 at 8am

Very interesting. Need to play more than once or with someone who knows the layout. Lots of blind tee and approach shots - 2 & 3-tiered greens. Lots of drama. Maybe I like it cause I shot 73 (2over).

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Condition of Course, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course
Difficulty
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Value
Rank ID # : 006077
Golf Course ranker Photo, Jeffrey Hatcher
Holly Springs, NC

$46 (cart included), played on Sunday, August 2008 at noon

This is a course that will bring you back for more. Thoroughly challenging and enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to playing it again.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Staff
Food/Bar Facilities
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 004428
Golf Course ranker Photo
Lillington, NC

$76 (cart included), played on Saturday, May 2008 at 10am

Very unusual layout. Lots of fun.

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Rank ID # : 002936
Golf Course ranker Photo
West Chester, OH

(cart included), played on Sunday, April 2008 at 6am

I found this to be one of the more visually-appealing courses I have ever played. There are several blind shots one must hit, but even those I found interesting. I am not an accomplished player, playing to ~ a 20 handicap, but I had fun and truly enjoyed the round. I would love to go play it when I could play 36 in the same day - having some idea of where I should place the ball would make it more fun, even if I am not capable of always pulling off the shot. I would definitely recommend playing this course. It was the 6th course our group played on a golf trip to the Pinehurst area, and I enjoyed this one most of all.

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Condition of Course, Layout, Ambiance, No Houses on Course, Pace of Play
Food/Bar Facilities
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 002643
Golf Course ranker Photo
Mcleansville, NC

$41 (cart included), played on Saturday, December 2007 at 8am

great course.....a little pricey

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Average course for the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, Staff, Clubhouse
Price
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 001642
Golf Course ranker Photo
Mechanicsburg, PA

$66 (cart included), played on Wednesday, April 2006 at 10am

My favorite course of all time! Mr Strantz was a genious and will surely be missed. Anyone who loves the game this is a must!!I play here every year and will conyinue for a long time to come. Price is great for the quality and the service.

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, Staff
Food/Bar Facilities
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 001203
Golf Course ranker Photo
El Dorado Springs, MO

$46 (cart included), played on Monday, July 2007 at 8am

Best course I've ever played. I visit my son, at least once a year, who lives in Sanford, and this course is a must. I'm not as long as I use to be, but you don't have to be on this course. You do have to be accurate. I also recommend playing with someone who knows the course, as I do with my son. The course is always in immaculate condition. Definitely the most scenic course I have every played, built in a former sand pit for a cement company. If you don't play this course while in the area, you're missing out!

Would travel: Vacation worthy
Bottom line: Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Rank ID # : 000923
Golf Course ranker Photo
Sewell, NJ

$76 (cart included), played on Saturday, September 2007 at 8am

Play this course but be patient. Lots of blind shots. Play it with someone who knows the layout, it is hard to know where to hit it and where some of the greens are

Would travel: Vacation worthy
Bottom line:
 
No Houses on Course
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Rank ID # : 000897
Golf Course ranker Photo

$46 (cart included), played on Wednesday, August 2007 at 8am

Would travel: 60 - 120 miles
Bottom line: Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Pace of Play
Layout/ Challenge
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Rank ID # : 000487
4.4/5
Based on 19 reviews
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