24 Tobacco Road in Sanford, North Carolina, is to open a 12-hole short course, The Matchbox, in August 2026. The par-three layout is by Lee Marshall and Justin Carlton of Carlton Marshall Golf Design. “Our inspiration came from Mike Strantz and his masterpiece, and we’ve incorporated similar design features and philosophies for Matchbox,” said Marshall. “Strantz was a master of scale and well ahead of his time. Our routing focused on preserving the major contours flowing from Tobacco Road and one particular unique carved feature that Strantz created himself, which now forms part of hole eleven.” Marshall and Carlton let the terrain dictate the layout. “We did not route the course to a specific number of holes; we simply found the best available green locations on the property that offered the most variety from hole to hole, ultimately landing on 12,” said Marshall. Holes move between enclosed and open areas, with elevation change and water features influencing shot selection. “We intend to keep the golfer intrigued as they navigate the course: a few secluded holes are nestled in the forest, then the landscape suddenly opens up with multiple holes and green settings around a bright blue lake,” said Marshall. “Holes four and eight play uphill, while the finishing hole is severely downhill. Some holes TEE BOX COURSE BLUEPRINT The Matchbox at Tobacco Road Inspired by Tobacco Road’s opening hole, the ninth plays between two large mounds The final hole plays significantly downhill to a long, rectangular green The eleventh has two separate teeing areas and a double green, which can be played by golfers on the main course as a bonus hole
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=