Tot Hill Farm Golf Club Review (Asheboro, NC)
Overview
Tot Hill Farm is one of those courses you hear about long before you actually play it. It’s got that almost mythical reputation—wild layout, crazy elevation, and a design that’s completely different from anything else in North Carolina.
After playing it, I’ll say this… it absolutely lives up to the experience side of the hype—but it’s definitely not going to be for everyone.
This is a Mike Strantz design, and if you’ve played Tobacco Road, you’ll recognize the DNA immediately—but Tot Hill feels even more raw, more dramatic, and honestly more unpredictable.
Course Details
- Location: Asheboro, NC
- Region: Triad / Central NC (right on the edge of Uwharrie area)
- Designer: Mike Strantz
- Par: 72
- Yardage: ~6,800 yards (tips)
- Course Rating: ~72.8
- Slope: ~135
My Experience at Tot Hill Farm
This is not a “show up and just swing it” type of course.
From the first few holes, you can tell this place is different. Massive elevation changes, blind shots, rock features everywhere, and some of the most unique green complexes you’ll play anywhere in the state. In fact the first hole, I thought I pushed my approach shot right and was fully expecting some type of chip to the green. To my pleasant surprise I got to the green and noticed a severe right to left hill on the side of the green my ball must have hit to roll within 8 feet of the pin. BINGO.
There are holes out here that you’ll remember forever—and a few that will probably piss you off a little too.
It’s very much a pick-your-line, commit, and hope you chose right type of course. If you’re indecisive or trying to play safe all day, it can beat you up pretty quick.
That said, when you hit the right shot out here, it feels unreal.
Course Conditions
From what I saw and what most people seem to experience, conditions are generally solid—especially fairways and overall layout presentation.
- Fairways: Good shape, plenty of room in spots
- Greens: Can vary a bit—some days roll great, other days a little slower than expected as was my experience my second time around
- Bunkers: Good sand overall
- Overall: More about the design than pristine country club conditioning
This isn’t a perfectly manicured course—it’s more of a rugged, natural feel, which honestly fits the layout. It’s got that “farm golf” type feel to it.
Layout & Design
This is where Tot Hill separates itself completely.
- Tons of doglegs and forced shot shapes
- Huge elevation changes
- Rock features and natural terrain everywhere
- Blind shots that require trust (and sometimes local knowledge)
- Greens that can be tricky but fair if you’re in the right spots. My last time there they were a bit slower than expected but could have just been the day.
A lot of people compare it to Tobacco Road—and I get it—but this feels even more extreme in certain ways.
Some holes are flat-out incredible. A few are… let’s just say controversial depending on how you feel about unconventional golf design.
But boring? Not even close.
Pace of Play / Management
This is probably the biggest mixed bag.
I personally went in expecting a longer round, but cruised—But from others feedback…
- Rounds can run long, especially on busy days
- It’s not always the smoothest operation
- Feels a bit more like “figure it out as you go” vs tightly managed
If you go in expecting a quick 3.5-hour round, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
Practice Facilities
This is one of the weaker areas.
- Limited practice setup
- Not really a place you go to warm up extensively
- More of a “show up, stretch, and go play” type vibe which honestly is my style (as bad as that is)
Pricing
Pricing here has definitely been a talking point.
- Prices can fluctuate depending on demand and time of year but I’d expect anywhere from maybe $100ish to approaching $200 for a round….so def a splurge round of golf.
For some people, it’s absolutely worth it for the experience.
For others, especially if conditions or pace don’t line up, it can feel a little steep.
Vibe / Atmosphere
This is what makes Tot Hill stand out.
It’s not polished. It’s not country club. It’s not trying to be.
It’s:
- Raw
- Unique
- A little chaotic
- And honestly… a ton of fun if you embrace it
You’re out there for the experience more than anything. Its got that Mike Strantz quirky unique style. Like I said earlier, for some people, others may not dig it. I loved it.
Who This Course Is For
You’ll love it if:
- You appreciate golf architecture
- You’ve played (and liked) Tobacco Road
- You want something completely different
- You enjoy creative, unconventional golf
You might not love it if:
- You prefer straightforward, traditional layouts
- You get frustrated easily by blind shots
- You expect perfect conditions + smooth pace every time
- You want a relaxing, easy round
Final Thoughts
Tot Hill Farm is one of the most unique golf experiences in North Carolina—no question.
It’s not perfect. It’s not for everyone. And yeah, there are definitely some quirks.
But if you go in with the right expectations, it’s absolutely worth playing at least once.
And honestly… probably more than once, because the first time you play it, you’re basically just trying to figure out what the hell is going on. I’ve gone twice now and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it both times. It’s a course that you want to pause at some holes and just look at the beauty of it. Especially the intersection of holes 10-12. I highly recommend it.
Hole Flyovers
Here are some hole flyovers so you can see what we’re talking about in this review- Tot Hill Farm – Carolina Golfing