Tobacco Road

I know all the positive reviews how can one be so bad. real simple 130.00 is to much for this course. There are better and I mean better golf courses in the area. If you want a Stranz course. Just driver hour north to Tot Hill it is a way better course and cheaper by about 100.00 and the staff will treat you so much better. STAY AWAY TEACH THEM 130.00 IS TO MUCH FOR A ROUND OF GOLF THERE.

Just played TR for the first time while on a Pinehurst road trip with my father. We both had an absolute blast and agreed that although we have played a wide variety of courses all around the USA, we have never played anything quite like TR. It's hard to describe TR in words, but the one word I find myself coming back to is "unique".

The facilities are decent. Neat little clubhouse with a log-cabin/wild west feel to it. The driving range is adequate for a public course with nice grass to hit off of. The practice putting green is something to behold - it has two tiers, which are separated by a very severely sloping "ramp", which has got to be about 5 or 6 feet high - giving you a preview of what you're in for when you head out to play the course.

The staff at the bag drop and in the clubhouse/golf shop were very friendly and welcoming. We played on a Saturday morning, so there was a starter on the first tee to keep things moving. Before we teed off, the starter questioned my decision to play from the back (Ripper) tees and asked me if I was a "scratch" golfer and if I'd seen the slope/course rating on the scorecard. I told him I'm not a scratch but that I'd be fine and he joked to the rest of the group that I would probably be having a change of heart heading to the second 9 (and would no longer be playing from the tips). Turns out I was 2 over par after the first 9, so no problem.

The course itself is a one-of-a-kind, out-of-the-box, rollercoaster of a good time. It has a little bit of everything - doglegs left, doglegs right, blind shots, elevations changes, huge bunkers/waste areas, undulating greens, tiered greens, false fronts, collection areas, forced carries, water (on only one hole as I recall, but was a big factor on that hole), risk/reward opportunities, etc. Fortunately we were paired with another twosome that was from the area and had played the course multiple times. This was key because they were able to describe each hole to us, which is extremely helpful at a place like TR with all of its twists and turns and blind shots, etc. If you are going there for the first time, I would highly recommend downloading the TR course APP for your smartphone - very helpful.

The course was in great shape and well manicured. The greens were fantastic - nice pace and just the right amount of undulation to keep things interesting.

TR is not a long golf course, I played the back (Ripper) tees at just over 6,500 and my father (who is 73 but still hits it well) played from the middle (Disc) tees at 6,300 and it worked well for us. TR is fairly generous in terms of landing areas off the tee - fairways are pretty easy to find. TR looks more difficult than it actually plays. Lower handicap players will have a ton of fun navigating the vast bunkering, elevation changes and blind shots (you really need to trust your game and know/have confidence in your club distances). It's definitely target golf, with fair, fun and interesting targets. Higher handicap players may have a bit of a struggle with some of these elements and may not have the same level of enjoyment on certain holes (e.g. #9 which is a gem of a hole). It helps to be good out of the sand (regardless of your skill level, you will inevitably find a bunker or two on your way around TR). You also need to be able to hold a green on approach shots.

I love walking when I play, but here, I'd probably recommend riding - especially if you are playing with a group. I've never driven a cart through a green-side bunker, but at TR, no problem, happens all the time (again, unique)!

Overall, TR was a fabulous experience. I wish I lived closer, I'd definitely make it a point to get back there sooner rather than later. The design and construction of the place is one heck of an engineering feat.

Course was in great shape. Very challenging. After reading the reviews, I understood that this was a target-golf course. But you are able to hit away on most of the holes. The greens were huge which helped mentally. Just understand that when you get on the green, your work is just starting.

This is not your everyday golf course. Be prepared to think about each shot. Lots of fun if you don't get carried away about your final score. Just take each hole one at a time and enjoy yourself.

A "Must" play...yes, the layout is "quirky" as advertised, but is SO interesting and so diabolically brilliant is HAS to be on your Pinehurst area play list !

I can't imagine what the architect was thinking or how he conceived the layout, but, wow, brilliant !

Blind shots...yep..."are you kidding me"...yep...putts guaranteed to roll off the front of the green, if that...yep...a few doubles...yep, but a GREAT experience. My second time, though the first was over 10 years ago, but actually looking forward to going back. Managed to play all 18 with ONE ball, wouldn't have imagined that if I were a scratch player !

PS Would NOT advise, if the weather conditions don't allow for carts on the fairway.

PPS Listen to the starter, he knows his stuff.

This is the third time playing Tobacco Road. Always enjoy !

The last time I played was a couple years ago at this time of year. The course was packed. The time before that, packed as well.

However, we teed off on a Friday around 10am and only a handful of cars in the parking lot. A little more when we rapped up for the day around 2pm.

It was great not to be rushed thru the game.

I did over hear the guy at the pro shop that it was $140 to play 18. OUCH, I thought I only paid around $75 or so before. Same time of year.

Is the price turning potential golfers away?

What is not to love on this refreshing take of what a golf course should be? The layout is truly one of a kind with no out of bounds, red or yellow stakes. Everything is in play all the time. You can drive your cart right into the bunkers, ground your club and take practice swings and you leave it all as-is. There are no rakes.

The course is visually overwhelming but if you relax you will find the course plays easier than it looks. It is not an easy course and you have to think through every shot but you can post a score comparable to your handicap if you play it smart. A yardage book and/or their phone app is a must. The overactive visuals of the course and elevation changes make accurately judging distances and forced carries nearly impossible without an aid.

Play this course. Everything about it is a delightful take on golf course architecture at its best.

This course is a lot of fun and is not as hard as it may seem. With the exception of the first hole, which is way over the top, and third shot at the thirteenth, the course is manageable if you hit to the right spot and don't try too many heroic shots. There's so many great holes on this course, in fact most of them could be the signature hole of the course, but par 5 eleventh, par 4 ninth and par 3 14th really stand out for me. So just enjoy the ride on this roller coaster kind of course and have fun!

What a fun course to play. Not sure I would choose it for my home course, but what a treat for an occasional round of golf. We caught it on a 45 degree day, but still had a great time.

The layout is truly unique and is visually intimidating. However, it is less difficult than the architect makes you think it is from the tee. It has several blind shots from the tee, several elevated greens with false fronts, and even a hidden green. However, you can shoot a score if you just relax and trust your game.

My son and I both played the tips and he shot 71 to my 74 the first time we played the course. The conditions were very good, the staff very friendly, and the day worthwhile. If you are in the area, play it. You will remember your day at Tobacco Road! A great place for a group of guys to visit on a golf trip.

Wow. A golf course on steroids?
That's Tobacco Road.
It's an architectural marvel. A welcome break from the norm.
Oh, it's hard. Just the first hole will make you wonder. I hit two career shots and still bogeyed the hole.
Lots of undulation, lots of blind shots, lots of saying "what??"
Loved the course. If you find anything else like it, let me know!

This course is visually stunning on the eyes and makes you think did the Architect build himself a golf course or some sort of dirt bike track?! The first hole there sets up perfectly with 2 massive ground humps that you have no idea where your drive is suppose to go, but just hit it a bit right and you'll be fine. The 3rd hole green is one of the craziest greens with what seems to be 3 levels undulating all over the place. There are waste areas/bunkers throughout this course that you can drive your cart in and you don't rake a single one of them. Many forced carries as well to get over the humps & bumps before many of the fairways begin so do yourself a favor and drive up to the landing area before hitting your shot if you have time. The par 5 13th hole is one tremendous hole that really made for a fun 3rd shot on that uphill approach shot. The following 14th hole is the only hole on the course that offers water as it's a little par 3 over the lake with a nice backdrop to that hole. All in all, this was a course unlike anything I've ever played before and I've played Mike Stranz's True Blue and Caldoneia in Myrtle Beach. Tobacco Road is on steroids compared to those courses. The greens as well were MiniVerde greens and some of the best putting surfaces I've ever putted on and the ball rolled true and ball marks were almost non-existent on approach shots. Get here fast and play this crazy crazy course!

What a fascinating round of golf. Starting with the clubhouse which was a very cool building with a fully stocked pro shop and plenty of food options. As for the course, I have heard it called goof golf and a true challenge to your game, I would say it's some of both. The first tee shot makes you think you made a big mistake choosing to play here but like most people will tell you, just hit it where the architect wants you to and you will be fine, A ton of blind shots make it a course you will need to play a second time to score well on as you are guessing on some of your tee shots, BUY A YARDAGE BOOK. The only real "goofy" hole is 13 where the green is almost entirely hidden by a hill on the right and a huge wall bunker on the right. We enjoyed the course and I would play it again for sure. Is it a top 100 public course in the country? Probably not but it is one that should be on anyone's Pinehurst itinerary. Lastly, if you are flying in and out of Raleigh and driving to Pinehurst this course, about halfway between the two, should be on your first or last day of the trip.

This is by far the most awesome course I've ever played. The greens were forgiving but oddly so firm I never made a divot. If you liked to be challenged mentally then this place is a must. I played on the three day package with seven lakes and legacy. They were really nice but Tobacco Road is an experience. The app is a must. Expect to be in the sand at least a few times as most greens are surrounded by it. This makes it forgiving though since the sand will keep you from losing balls on missed shots. I live 4 hour away and will make the trip back as soon as I can. I missed the timeframe on a promo to go back on a promo feel today and even my wife was bummed. And she just drove the cart!!

First time playing this.Lots of people told me you will either love it or hate it.I loved it but not sure I could concentrate that hard every time I played.You have to think about pretty much every shot you play as getting in the wrong place on this course will severely punish your score.In great condition and beautiful.Everyone was very helpful and pleasant.I agree with the person that said Chambers Bay mixed with the Open.Would go back just to see if I could improve my score now I have an idea of layout.Apparently there is an app download it .Recommended.

I played 36 holes in late July with my annual outing buddies with absolutely no regrets. This is probably the most visually intimidating course I have ever played. Although, once you’ve been around once, the forced carries are much less daunting and fairer than you think. You will definitely want to play the appropriate tees though. I have to say that I’ve never experienced greens like these before. Being from Ohio I’m more accustomed to bent grass but the greens at this course are almost impenetrable. Can’t say that I fixed a ball mark all day. Firm and true yet they hold balls very well. Positively and without a doubt a must play. Not tricky golf, just a round you will never forget. Awesome!

This course made me think of those extreme golf holes calendars. I kept looking for the clown and the windmill. There are so many outstanding courses in the Pinehurst area, I wouldn't waste my time or money playing here again.

This place is awesome. You pull into a clean heavily pined area with a nice rustic looking clubhouse. They are playing some banjo or moonshiner music at the cart barn. The driving range isn't anything special but it'll do the job. The putting green sets the tone for what could be if you don't hit an approach shot on the right tier of the green. The first hole is absolutely amazing. make sure you download their app for yardages. Also go ahead and buy a yardage book too. The course never really gets easy. Your best bail out is a bunker on most holes. If you drive the ball straight or if you can hit a good controlled hybrid or long 3 iron......225 is then you can score on the front nine. Have fun on the 9th hole but just get the ball up in the area of the green because the entire green funnels to the hole. The back nine is a beast. #11 isn't bad though. #13-#18 are awesome, the most precise shots will be needed. #13 is a par 5 and if you go for it in 2, you had better hit the green and it better come in high. #14 is probably the most demanding and the scariest hole out there. Hit the green or you're gonna bogey most likely. Hit driver on #15 and play a cut. It will also be a tough green to stick it on. #16 is up to you. I hit driver right at the furthest left bunker and i birdied the hole. The smart play would be 3 iron. #17 gives a little bit of a breather but short is your bailout. #18 looks very very tight and tough but play a draw with a driver or hybrid and it opens up. This course is absolutely amazing and the staff is friendly and talkative. I've played TPC Louisiana, TPC Sawgrass, and I've played in Ireland, and this course compares to those all day long. Its like a mix of Chambers bay meets the british open, placed in arizona. Its 5 stars all day and its only $100 during the week. Military makes it $90. I will bring every friend that visits me to this course. I LOVE this place. Watch your ball closely.

My buddy and I were looking to play a nicer course than your typical public course. He has had some friends that have said this is an amazing course that's fun to play while challenging. It turned out to be exactly that!

We got there and had an early tee time. The driving range is under repair/construction so if you're a golfer that needs to hit some drives before you head out, you may want to warmup elsewhere first. Definitely not a big deal. We ended up getting paired with a very nice couple from DC- they drove 5 hours just to play this course! The gal may have been the best female golfer I've ever seen, especially off the tee!

Anyway, the first hole sets the tone for what you're in for. What's fun about this course is that each shot demands an accurately well placed approach, which forces you to focus and dial in your swing. It looks like there is a ton of sand, and there is, but it is in play and not played as a hazard, meaning you can ground your club in any sand area. The holes here are very unique and the architecture is amazing. You can definitely see why it's earned so many accolades and why it's consistently a top 5 NC public course- which is saying a lot!

The pace of play was awesome. We felt like we were the only ones out here! There aren't any holes that have much visibility to other holes, so you feel as though you're in the middle of this awesome piece of land with rustic farm equipment and old buildings decorating the land.

If you're looking for a fun and unique experience, this is the course for you. My buddy and I will definitely return- we had a blast! Worth the price tag and Highly recommend!

Bring lots of balls, no prisoners are taken. Seriously hit great tee shots, or drink liberally. fun time though, must play it for your bucket list. loved it, worth the travel to find it. great for scramble or better ball 1st time. Buy a yardage book to help club you, or at least a phone GPS that shows the hole layouts.
also liked Talamore, Southern Pines, Pine Wild, Pine Needles, & The Pit

As part of a visit/ play trip to Pinehurst, we added this club into an additional play date. Tobacco Road was truly enjoyable. First, the club personnel were gracious, genuinely friendly and very helpful with their recommendations. The whole golf experience required attention to recommended sight/ target lines with yardages attached. If you can overcome the sheer beauty and, yes, a few blind shots, the course is stout however rewards smart shot making. The penal part of the course is well known however the scorecard clearly indicates the preferred approach based on your skill level. Fairways were generous based on carry. Greens were of fairly large, average pace, and depending on pin placement, few had undulations that required skill and feel to appropriately navigate. We enjoyed the layout so much, played 36 today.

Having played this course about a dozen times our group has grown to love it ( except Terry). Playing it for the first time was difficult with blind shots and left us shaking our heads sometimes, but once the round ended we remarked how enjoyable the course was. We play it every time we are in NC and would not miss it. Don't let the yardage fool you , you will use every club in your bag. It starts with the opening tee shot right to the final approach at 18, this course will keep you thinking. Definitely a must play !