Mike Strantz NC / SC trip

[Bill Wernecke Jr]

I had the privilege of playing Mike Strantz' two Virginia courses several years ago.  Like most of us in this group, I found them to be fascinating.

Finally I have found the time next week to go down and play Tobacco Road, Tot Hill Farm, Caledonia, and True Blue.

I would love to hear your advice about these courses or any other aspect of our trip.

Cheers, Bill

[Tim Gavrich]

You might also try calling Bulls Bay, down in Mt. Pleasant, SC.  It's about 55 minutes south of True Blue/Caledonia.  It's also private, however.  But perhaps if you tell them how much of a Strantz fan you are and that you are trying to play all of his courses, they might let you out.

[Daryl "Turboe" Boe]

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on Tot Hill Farm as I have not seen it since they apparently did some fairly major changes there.  It was the only Strantz course that I have ever played that I didnt like.  It was just too severe and artificial for my tastes.

I have loved all his other stuff, and I am sure you will as well.  Also I would like to get back out to Tot Hill to see how it plays now.  I understand they did some pretty major changes to some of the more over-the-top items.

[Bill Wernecke Jr]

Turboe

I am willing to go fairly radical, but I do have my limits!

It sounds like Tot Hill might test them.

I will give a full report on my return.

[cary lichtenstein]

Tot Hill is no Tobacco Road, but then again, what is?

Front 9 is much better than the back, but you will enjoy both courses very much

[A.G._Crockett]

I'll cast another vote for liking Tot Hill.  It suffers only in comparison to Tobacco Rd., but it is hardly a comparable site.  I haven't seen the changes, but I thought it was a blast to play!

[Jfaspen]

I've played Caledonia and True Blue and enjoyed both of them.

I think a study of these two courses and their location is a great example of how different two courses by the same designer in the same area can be.

I found caledonia to be a gentler golf course, more classic in nature, more attention to detail, etc.  In a way, playing that course (with the pines, big greens, lush surroundings) is as close as I think i've been to what the Augusta National experience must be like.  I prefer Caledonia to True Blue.

True Blue I often describe as golf Supersized.  I had a bad day on the course, but I remember the fairways being huge as well as the bunkers.  I enjoyed the course, but it beat me up.  Out of all the courses I've played in Myrtle, this is the one I want to get back to the most.

I think you'll enjoy the contrast and each course individually.

Based on pictures on the website, I second the suggestion to seek out bulls bay.  If I ever get down to Charleston, I'm going to make an effort to see it.

Have a great trip, also remember that Strantz did the green complexes at the heritage club which is in the area and worth your time if you have an afternoon free.

jf

[Brian_Marion]

Just keep an open mind when playing Tot Hill. In my opinion, it borders on over the top but I still like it. The main issue that THF has is that it is always compared to Tobacco Road.

Apples and oranges.

[PThomas]

TR rocks!

[Andy Hughes]

Bill, for the sake of us Strantz-lovers whose golf season has ended, please take your camera and take pictures liberally!

Playing tip for Tobacco Road and True Blue--there's more fairway then you think!

[Matt MacIver]

Based on pictures on the website, I second the suggestion to seek out bulls bay.  If I ever get down to Charleston, I'm going to make an effort to see it.

Bulls Bay is a must-see if you can.  I saw it and fell in love....but August rains kept the course closed for three straight days and I never got a chance to play.  

[Brad Tufts]

Anyone know what they changed specifically at Tot Hill?  Holes, etc...I played it in 04 and wasn't a huge fan, but there were bright spots, I'm curious whether it would be worth another look....

[John Kavanaugh]

Bill,

Call up Steve Palagi at 919-770-9636...he is a professional caddie that works out of Pinehurst and made my experience at Tabacco Road leaps better than it ever could have been out of a cart.  As the boys might tell you..pull carts are worse than carrying your own due to some steps here and there.  Just give him my name...

[Bill Wernecke Jr]

John K

Thanks for the great caddy tip.  I take back all of those bad things I thought about you for attacking the Seth Raynor prototype holes (actually, you do have some very good points!).  I will give Steve a call and see if he can help us.

Thanks to everyone for their great advice and thoughts.  This is what makes GCA the best golf discussion site on the planet.

I will pick up an extra memory stick and try to get some good photos, and give a full update on the new Tot Hill Farm.

Bill

[John Kavanaugh]

Bill,

Steve prefers to double bag...so he will work as either a single or a double.  The snack girl thought I was some kind of rock star being the first person she had ever heard of using a caddie.  She is the Croation looking gem...play it as you wish.

note:  I am a proud dues paying member of the Seth Raynor Society

[Bill Wernecke Jr]

John

Double-bagging is exactly what we need -- for the caddie, not the the cart girl!

On another note, what is the best way to get to Marshall IL from Wisconsin?  How long will it take from Chicago?  Bob Lohman is from these parts (Menomonee Falls) and his uncle was my neighbor, so I figure I should go check out Canyata.  I don't know about the name, though.  I mean, are there canyons?  Is Jomo Canyata the pro?  I guess it is a better name than Rich Harvest, who sounds like a disc jockey.

Hope to see you at a Seth Raynor outing, and we can separate the good Biarritz and Redan holes from the bad -- and I know there are both!

Bill

[John Kavanaugh]

Bill,

When I travel from Marshall to Chicago I go on over to Indiana and take 41 all the way north...it takes 4 hours from Marshall.   Of course if I new some way to get on a few great privates like Wolf Run or Crooked Stick I would take the interstate system through Indianapolis for a golf detour.  Indianapolis is only 90 miles east of Marshall and directly on Interstate 70...

Canyata is an American Indian something or other.  

[Steve_Lemmon]

I played 3 rounds at Bulls Bay about 3 weeks ago.  The course is in great shape and is very interesting, especially since it was constructed from totally flat ground, and now features a huge hill with the clubhouse on top, and nos. 9, 14 and 18 greens tucked into the hillside.  I also liked the way the waste areas/cartpaths flow into and become bunker/hazards around most of the greens built at the lower levels.