Ah, Tobacco Road. The very name evokes a certain wild, untamed beauty. For those of us who chase the golf ball across disparate landscapes, from the ancient links of Scotland to the desert oases of Arizona, there are few courses that stand out quite like Mike Strantz’s iconoclastic masterpiece in the North Carolina Sandhills. I’ve had the privilege of playing close to 200 courses around the globe, and I can tell you, Strantz was a singular visionary, a man who sculpted golf courses with the verve of an abstract artist, turning raw earth into a dramatic canvas where the game unfolds.
Tobacco Road, of course, is the quintessential Strantz experience. It’s a riot of sand, towering waste areas, blind shots, and greens that defy conventional categorization. It’s a course that, upon its opening, baffled some traditionalists but captivated a growing legion of admirers, myself included. It’s not just a golf course; it’s an adventure. And now, as if Strantz himself, from the great beyond, decided to add another audacious brushstroke, there’s a new development that has me brimming with anticipation: The Matchbox.
A Maverick’s Legacy Continues
The Matchbox, a 12-hole par-3 course, is set to thread through the trees near the main course’s 12th and 13th fairways. This isn’t just another short course; it’s a testament to the enduring influence of Strantz’s design philosophy. Owner Mark Stewart, who clearly shares Strantz’s penchant for the unconventional, is bringing this new playground to life on land that once served as a gravel mining site – the very same unruly, sandy ridges that inspired Strantz’s original vision. This continuity, this understanding of the land’s inherent character, is what makes me truly excited.
What immediately caught my eye about The Matchbox, beyond its familial connection to Tobacco Road, is its innovative approach to construction. In an era where short courses are popping up like wildflowers, Tobacco Road is once again charting its own path. The Matchbox will feature synthetic turf blended into the natural landscape. Now, I know what some of you are thinking: synthetic turf? But hear me out. Stewart explains that this allows for more consistent conditions without having to clear the tree canopy for sunlight – a clever solution that respects the existing environment. It will also feature a mix of real-sand and faux bunkers, another nod to the unconventional. Stewart’s assessment of Strantz’s potential reaction truly resonates:
“I think he’d be thrilled. It goes along with his whole maverick approach.”
And I agree. Strantz, who tragically passed at 50 in 2005, was never a man to shy away from pushing boundaries. After honing his craft under Tom Fazio, he forged a distinctive path, giving us masterpieces like Caledonia and True Blue before unleashing the glorious beast that is Tobacco Road. This embrace of new technologies while retaining the spirit of his original work feels perfectly aligned with his ethos.
Designing for Drama and Fun
The design work for The Matchbox is in capable hands, with Carlton Marshall Golf Design, specialists in synthetic-turf projects, leading the charge. Crucially, they’re joined by Mark White, a former Strantz apprentice and one of Tobacco Road’s original shapers. This connection to the course’s genesis is vital, ensuring that the spirit of Strantz’s original intent is carried forward.
The routing itself seems to echo the big course’s dramatic flair, distilled into a more intimate scale. Situated on a five-acre parcel with roughly 40 feet of elevation change, it promises a miniature adventure. Imagine this: the 3rd hole, a blind 60-yard shot from an elevated tee, reminiscent of the main course’s playful deception. The 7th requires a 40-yard carry over a cove, adding that touch of strategic tension Strantz loved. And the 9th? Stewart envisions it channeling the “in-your-face” opening of the big course, playing through two large mounds. This isn’t just a collection of short holes; it’s a thoughtfully designed experience, a “Mini-Me” of Tobacco Road.
One fascinating detail is that part of The Matchbox routing will play along a pond that even many Tobacco Road regulars might not know exists. Stewart shared that he and Strantz had discussed a par-3 over it during the original design process, but it didn’t make the final cut. This discovery, this uncovering of a dormant design idea, adds another layer of historical resonance to the project.
“Stewart said he’d had his eye on the par-3 parcel for more than 20 years, long contemplating what he might do with it.”
This kind of long-term vision, patiently waiting for the right moment and the right concept, is what truly sets a destination apart. And the name? “The Matchbox” is pure genius. While nodding to tobacco (matches for lighting), it cleverly alludes to a golf match and winks at the intimate scale of a matchbox car. As Stewart put it, he’s “had that name in mind for years,” a testament to the thought and care invested.
A Must-Visit Destination
For those who love golf architecture, particularly the bold and artistic designs of Mike Strantz, Tobacco Road is already a pilgrimage. It’s a glorious, quirky complement to the region’s more classical designs. With The Matchbox, it solidifies its place as an even more compelling golf destination, offering a different, perhaps more playful, dimension to the Strantz legacy.
Located in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills, Tobacco Road is easily accessible and absolutely worth the journey. While the main course offers a full 18-hole immersion into Strantz’s daring vision, The Matchbox will provide a quicker, perhaps more casual, yet undoubtedly thrilling experience. It offers a perfect warm-up, cool-down, or simply a fun alternative for those looking to experience Strantz’s spirit without committing to a full round. Keep an eye out for its opening, and when you visit, make sure to appreciate not just the dramatic holes, but the underlying philosophy – the maverick spirit – that makes courses like Tobacco Road and now, The Matchbox, truly special. It’s golf design that stimulates the senses and challenges the mind, and I, for one, can’t wait to play it.
