First Impressions to an Impressionable Course

A few years ago, I had the privilege of playing Tobacco Road Golf Club, one of the most unique and memorable golf courses in the world. Designed by the late Mike Strantz, this course showcases his unmatched creativity and boldness. As someone who loves variety and strategic layouts, this course was at the top of my bucket list—and it did not disappoint.

This article will focus on the course’s remarkable design and details, rather than my performance. For context, I scored in the low 80s on a cold and windy morning, but my mind was often on capturing the beauty and quirks of this iconic course.

From the moment you arrive, Tobacco Road captivates your imagination. Driving up to the clubhouse, you’re greeted by a spectacular view of the par-three 14th hole, one of the course’s signature challenges. The clubhouse itself is warm and welcoming, with a pro shop that reflects the personality of the course—well-stocked, stylish, and staffed by friendly people.

The driving range was unremarkable, and the cold morning temperatures had me eager to start the round rather than warm up extensively. By the time I reached the first tee, I was ready to immerse myself in the Strantz experience.

The Front Nine: Traditional Meets Unconventional

The first hole immediately introduces players to Tobacco Road’s unconventional charm. A blind tee shot from the back tees requires you to “pick a mound” as your target and trust your swing. A solid drive sets up a chance to go for the green in two, but for newcomers without prior course knowledge, picking the correct line is daunting. When played as a three-shot hole, you may face three consecutive blind shots, culminating in an approach to a green heavily guarded by bunkers. Long is disastrous—trust me, I found out the hard way. While it’s a tough opener, downwind conditions can reward smart play with a birdie.

The second hole, a par-four, is visually disorienting from the tee. Depending on your tee box, you might aim left, middle, or right, but the ideal target is the right-middle fairway, which slopes heavily from right to left. The hole bends slightly right, and the tricky green heightens the importance of finding the fairway. While the course rules state no bunkers or out-of-bounds, hitting fairways is critical due to the unique layout and frequent blind shots.

The third hole, a par-three, features what I call a "surfing wave" green with dramatic undulations. Precision is key, as the best spots are below the hole. Missing right leaves an almost impossible up-and-down for many pin positions. With bunkers lurking on both sides, it’s a quintessential Strantz hole that rewards accuracy and punishes mistakes.

The fourth hole, a par-five, is Tobacco Road’s version of Bay Hill’s signature par-five over water—except here, the water is replaced with bunkers. A super dogleg-left layout allows players to reach the green in two with a bold tee shot hugging the left side. The green’s severe slope often makes it better to land short and let your ball trickle onto the putting surface. Shots landing on the middle-to-left portion of the green risk falling off into the rough.

The fifth hole, a short par-four, is a classic Mike Strantz deception. It tempts players to go for the green, but the land’s contours make it seem closer than it really is. A safer play with an iron leaves a straightforward wedge approach to a green with a massive false front.

The sixth hole, a par-three, is breathtaking and punishing. Locals warn of swirling winds, and the middle of the green is the safest target. Missing short leaves a tough bunker shot, while long is equally punishing. Despite its beauty, this is a hole where taking a 3 and moving on feels like a win.

The seventh hole, a par-four, is one of the few “normal” layouts on the course. The fairway undulates like a ski slope, making an iron or hybrid the preferred choice off the tee. The green features subtle false fronts, and local knowledge can make all the difference when navigating its contours.

The eighth hole, a downhill par-three, offers a fantastic chance at birdie with a front pin. Playing past the hole and letting the ball run down the severe slope is often the best strategy, as shots thrown too high on the slope risk rolling off the front of the green. A back-right pin transforms this picturesque hole into a significant challenge.

The ninth hole, a par-four, requires an uphill approach shot adjusted for an elevation change of about 15 yards. The green is another two-tiered masterpiece, with downhill putts that can run off the surface. Pin position is everything on this hole—what looks like a simple par can quickly turn into a bogey or worse.

The Back Nine: More of the Different

The tenth hole, a par-four, begins the back nine with a forced dogleg-right tee shot. A fade is ideal, as the fairway slopes heavily from left to right. The wave-like green adds to the complexity of this hole, and missing right on any shot is a recipe for disaster.

The eleventh hole, a par-five, is a double-dogleg that plays uphill on the drive. Aggressive players aiming down the right side can set up a chance to reach the green in two, but missing right all but guarantees a bogey. My advice: aim for the large tree in the middle of the fairway— it’s not in play and offers a good line for a safer approach.

The twelfth hole, a par-four, offers a risk-reward tee shot over a long fairway bunker. While taking on the challenge can yield a shorter approach, a conservative play with a fairway wood is often the better choice.

The thirteenth hole, a par-five, is the course’s pièce de résistance. Featuring back-to-back doglegs, it demands creativity and precision. A smart drive to the right side avoids trouble and sets up an ideal layup position. The green, encased in a natural bowl or fortress, is one of the most unique I’ve ever played. This hole epitomizes the wacky brilliance of Mike Strantz, offering endless ways to play it.

The fourteenth hole, a par-three, is both stunning and challenging. With water on the right and a bunker dominating the left, the green offers little margin for error. A fade fits the hole’s layout, but playing your natural shot shape is key to success.

The fifteenth hole, a par-four with a split fairway, forces players on the tips to favor the left side. It’s not the most memorable hole but offers a solid birdie opportunity.

The sixteenth hole, a par-four, is the only layout I’d consider “gimmicky.” The fairway is hidden from view, requiring local knowledge or GPS to navigate. While the approach to the two-tiered green is challenging, the overall design feels unnecessarily tricky.

The seventeenth hole, a par-three, is a photogenic standout with an hourglass-shaped green. The downhill tee shot is thrilling, and the variety of tee and pin locations ensures a unique experience every time.

The eighteenth hole, a par-four, closes the round with a traditional design. A long carry off the tee (especially into the wind) sets up an approach to a tough green. The elevated view for spectators behind the clubhouse adds to the excitement of this final challenge.

Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder

Tobacco Road is a golf course that dares to be different. Mike Strantz’s fearless design philosophy shines through in every hole, offering a mix of strategy, creativity, and visual drama.

Many will call this course ‘hokey’ or ‘gimmicky’ altogether. I don’t understand why some golf course reviewers and golfers in general are so snobby. Tobacco Road wasn’t designed with the intent to host a US Open or to challenge the professionals or to break people’s backs who want a true strategic test of golf. Tobacco Road is a course designed for the wacky, the crazy, and the unique. It’s a shift from the norm, and I will acknowledge the masterpiece it is, even if the class is far different from that of a Pebble Beach or an Oakmont.

This is a course that rewards imagination and punishes complacency. Tobacco Road is a bucket-list course that I’ll undoubtedly revisit in the future.

Mike Strantz, take a bow. Or better yet, flip the bird to the haters.

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