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4.5
97 Reviews (97)
5 Stars
69
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
4
Conditions
4.8
Value
3.9
Layout
5.0
Friendliness
4.4
Pace
3.9
Amenities
3.7
99.2%
Recommend this course
91 out of 97 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
4.5
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.0
Amenities
3.5
StaffFriendliness
4.5
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
3 Reviews (3)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
5.0
Pace
3.3
Amenities
4.0
StaffFriendliness
4.7
100.0%
Recommend this course
3 out of 3 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 71
Length 6557 yards
Slope 145
Rating 72.5

Course Details

Year Built 1998
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Mike Strantz (1998)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes
Pull-carts Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Fivesomes Allowed No
Single Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Appropriate golf attire

Accolades

Reviews

4.5
97 Reviews (97)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 7
Course Challenges Include:
Forced Carries 25
Bunkers 23
Elevation Changes 22
This course/club is great for:
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 21
Advanced Golfers 18
A Weekend Splurge 16
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 22

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Remarkable Course

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Where was all the Golfers ?

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?

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 17
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Like a golf theme park !!

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!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Poor weather
Used cart

Unique course, but a real treat!!

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Course unlike any other

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!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

You are you g to love it or hate it!

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!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 171
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 50 Contributor
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Love it or hate it you need to play it

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.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 28
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

A thinking course.

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.

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Best Greens Ever

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!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Every hole is an experience

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!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Never Again

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.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Absolutely Amazing Course

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

New Favorite Course

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!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Insane but fun, bring lots of balls

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

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Unusual, but challenging must play in Sandhills area

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 !

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Must See and Play

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.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 69
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 500 Contributor
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

What a Gem

Tobacco Road should be on everyone's bucket list. Although, you may want to make sure you bring some extra golf balls. This course is carved through the dunes and even presents quite the challenge for experienced golfers.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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Golf Packages

Talamore Golf Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $137 (USD)
SOUTHERN PINES, NC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Talamore Golf Resort and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Mid Pines Golf Course, Mid South Course, Tobacco Road Golf Course, and The New Course.

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club Stay & Play Package

FROM $167 (USD)
SOUTHERN PINES, NC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Mid Pines Golf Course, Pine Needles Golf Course, Tobacco Road Golf Course, and The New Course.

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club Stay & Play Package

FROM $167 (USD)
SOUTHERN PINES, NC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Mid Pines Golf Course, Pine Needles Golf Course, Tobacco Road Golf Course, and The New Course.

Richmond Golf Getaway Package

FROM $147 (USD)
RICHMOND, VA | Enjoy 3 nights’ accommodations at Fairfield Inn & Suites – Richmond Airport and 2 rounds of golf at Royal New Kent Golf Club and The Club at Viniterra.

Francis Marion Hotel Stay & Play

FROM $187 (USD)
CHARLESTON, SC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Francis Marion Hotel and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of RiverTowne Golf Course, Charleston National Golf Course, Wild Dunes – Harbor Course, Wild Dunes – Links Course, and Stono Ferry Golf Course.
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