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Golfer Bob
Sanford
2010-12-04
$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
$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.