Strantz, who worked a decade with legendary architect Tom Fazio before setting off on his own from his base outside Charleston, South Carolina, designed eight courses, working them one at a time and setting up camp for a year or more at each site. He was a rising star in the industry before his life was cut short by cancer in 2005 at the young age of 50 years old. The Sandhills area is gifted with two original Strantz designs. In addition to Tot Hill Farm, Tobacco Road opened in 1998 and is just over 20 miles to the northeast of Pinehurst and draws golf groups traveling from the north through Raleigh and Durham, wowing them with the craggy edges, blind shots and dramatic Other recent additions at Pinehurst Resort include the immensely enjoyable par-3 Cradle course, a restaurant with outdoor seating behind the 18th green at No. 2, and a micropub in the Village. Of late, Southern Pines Golf Club unveiled the 18-hole Overhills Putting Course, designed by Kyle Franz. In addition, Kris Spence “resurrected” Woodlake Country Club in Vass, while Mike Strantz’s Tot Hill Farm in nearby Asheboro received a refurbishing under new ownership. Tot Hill Farm opened in 2000 on a rocky site with an ever-present creek running through the course, featuring an 1800s farmhouse converted into a clubhouse and golf shop.
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