Brian Oar
Wayne Freedman
Wayne Freedman
Wayne Freedman
Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
3185 Tot Hill Farm Rd
Asheboro, NC 27205-9543
United States
Telephone
Overview
Architects are usually only as good as their sites, or at least their budgets—Tom Fazio would certainly agree with that, which is why he only agrees to projects that give him the resources to push the land around until it’s the way he wants it. Strantz, who began his career working for Fazio, was just getting to that level of prestige when he passed away, but Tot Hill Farm, opened in 2000, was a relatively low-budget design on a central North Carolina property that was too rugged and rocky to yield a Tobacco Road-level course. Strantz used what he had to shape some of his wildest greens, working around the site’s obstacles the best he could. The course is a staggered mix of daring, often outrageous holes (the par-3 13th) dotted with moments of sublime brilliance like the par-5 eighth and the par-4 17th. Golf Digest named the third hole, a downhill par 3 with a green wrapped around a rock outcropping, the best third hole built in the U.S. since 2000. Over the last few seasons, new ownership has invested in ongoing course improvements, including tree removal and new turf, and as of 2024, the course has never been better. What used to be a “lesser” Strantz design due to conditioning challenges is now one of the country’s best showcases of his eccentric, some say genius, architecture.
About
Awards
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“A wild course I've heard described as "Tobacco Road on steroids," Tot Hill Farm is another fascinating offering from Mike Strantz. While not long at just over 6600 from the Tips, this is a challenging test of golf with severely undulating greens, wild elevation changes, and lots of hazards. The good player who knows the course might be able to score well here, but the careless golfer better bring lots of balls. The conditioning was deplorable, with some greens that weren't even puttable and soft, soggy fairways, but the course excels in character and layout variety, with some of the most interesting and memorable holes you'll play. This is not a course for everyone, but if you are a fan of Strantz, it is well-worth a visit."
Read More2026
Review
“I suggest everyone play this course. I had two thoughts after I finished. 1. There are long walks from green to tee. Felt like Strantz' background with Fazio was shining through as I journeyed up to each elevated tee box. 2. Strantz is very artistic and creative. But his design did not allow me to be creative as it became very much target golf. You either tried to hit to specific spots or your ball would settle in specific spots."
Read More2026
Review
“Maybe the most fun you will have on a golf course. The Mike Strantz design makes your mind bend and also smile from ear to ear. This course is truly one of a kind. Loved it. You'll use every club in the bag and it will test your game and your nerve."
Read More2026
Review
“Tot Hill Farm is a fun course that leaves defined holes in its character and layout. The course was a touch soft, but otherwise in well condition. Each hole it seemed like had a different challenge to it. It could be a massive boulder in the center of the fairway, to a creek lined par 3, to a dogleg going up or down a large mountain slope. The course has seen a great restoration in the condition of the playing surface from others I played with, and it showed. I enjoyed the layout and fun aspect Tot Hill Farm brings to destination golf."
Read More2025
Review
“If Tobacco Road is your jam, Tot Hill Farm is a natural next stop, another Mike Strantz original that replaces blind shots with equally bold visuals and rugged Carolina scenery. Strantz shaped the course directly into the land’s natural rock formations, ridges, and creeks, creating a dramatic routing with adjoining greens, wild bunker complexes, and several visually intimidating tee shots. The layout features Strantz’s signature creativity: five par 3s, five par 5s, and constant elevation changes that challenge depth perception and shot commitment. Many approach shots offer multiple strategic options, while the greens are heavily contoured with severe collection areas that punish imprecision. Recently restored to Strantz’s original intent, Tot Hill Farm plays firm, fast, and more refined than ever, with Prizm Zoysia greens and revitalized bunkers. The course’s beauty is rugged rather than polished, but that’s its charm, rock outcroppings, narrow corridors, and dramatic shaping make the round feel like an adventure carved straight out of the landscape. It’s demanding yet fair to good shots, rewarding players who think their way around rather than overpowering it."
Read More2025
Review
“Tot Hill Farm offers a very challenging test of golf near the Pinehurst area. A bold display of two tiered and adjoining greens, unique bunker complexes, rock walls, rock formations and outcroppings all play a role with that challenge. Green complexes possess many undulations with severe collection areas for errant shots. Many tee and approach shots are visually intimidating and possess a myriad of shot options thru the green. Its well worth the drive from Pinehurst to play this Mike Stranz design."
Read More2025
Review
“Perhaps the most penal golf course I've ever played. A collection of interesting par 3 which which based on their mostly reduced yardage play fair. A lot of very forced holes and a very uncomfortable feel throughout. Other courses by Stranz like Tobacco Road (less severe property) seem to flow better with more opportunity to score/recover and to be rewarded for good shots. Many good shots at THF are penalized when they shoudn't be."
Read More2025
Review
“Tot Hill Farm is a unusual. It is a eccentric. It is a maverick. It plays across and around ridges, past and over rock outcroppings, and along creekbeds. It is a bit of an engineering marvel but does not look overly manufactured. Many holes, including the terrific Alps #15, make use of classic strategic elements and templates. The course was saved and restored by the current owner and is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the genius of Mike Strantz, who left us all too soon."
Read More2025
Review
“Tot Hill Farm is a unusual. It is a eccentric. It is a maverick. It plays across and around ridges, past and over rock outcroppings, and along creekbeds. It is a bit of an engineering marvel but does not look overly manufactured. Many holes, including the terrific Alps #15, make use of classic strategic elements and templates. The course was saved and restored by the current owner and is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the genius of Mike Strantz, who left us all too soon."
Read More2025
Review
“Not my style of golf course, but could appreciate the routing and imagination."
Read More2025
