Opening Day at Tobacco Road’s New 12-Hole Short Course

Introduction

After hearing about the project on and off throughout this year, I had the amazing opportunity to play the Matchbox at Tobacco Road on opening day. I had no idea what to anticipate or expect, as I had never heard of a course like this, especially from an already established golf property like Tobacco Road. However, I knew it was going to be a spectacle, since the synthetic turf would allow them to create hole designs that are impossible with regular grass.

First Impressions

Amongst the trees, the course really is a hidden gem, as there is a walk up a small bridge before you see the new clubhouse waiting for you. As everyone anticipated the opening, the atmosphere was still relaxed and fun. With 12 holes, it makes for a quick round but enough golf to feel like making a trip is still worth it. The staff was friendly, and it was super easy to get started. The practice green is definitely unique but a good appetizer for the day.

The Design

The design of the course was not only fun but also refined. I found myself hitting some shots that I don't always hit, working the ball with wedges or hitting a lower-than-normal shot to use the slopes. Chipping and putting sometimes involved options using backstops or putting past the hole, shots that you would not see at first glance. At times, I would even play the more creative backstop shot just for fun, even when I had a direct shot at the hole. I don’t get that opportunity as much at other places. Despite the differences, it still feels like part of Tobacco Road. The original course was my favorite when I visited as a junior golfer.

The synthetic turf played well. I had no idea what to expect, but at times I was able to spin the ball a bit more than I expected, especially with the into-the-grain lies in the synthetic rough.

Favorite Holes/Shots

My favorite aspect wasn't any one hole. It was the variety. Despite the holes only requiring wedges and 3-4 clubs, it was not simply a target practice session. Instead of repeating the same wedge over and over, Matchbox keeps asking you to look outside of the “box” and solve the shot at hand. I did really enjoy the use of the wooden structures on holes 3 and 8. The tree in the green on the first hole is also a great tone -setter for the day. PICTURE OF THAT HERE

While 8, 10, and others included backstops, holes like 6, 9 and 12 required a player to feed the ball in from the side and land short.

Who Would Enjoy It?

Just about anyone could enjoy this course: serious players, casual players, architecture fans, families, new golfers, and competitive/buddies trips looking for some more holes after playing any of the great courses in the area (Tobacco Road included). The only caution would be that you have to be mindful of the terrain when trying to retrieve golf balls. However, luckily another fun feature is the inclusion of ball retrievers on the water holes.

Final Thoughts

I’d definitely love to come back, especially to take another crack at the 12th hole. I left wondering why there aren't more experiences like this and with a desire to somehow advocate for one where I usually play golf. Matchbox isn't trying to replace an 18-hole championship course. It offers something unique: a relaxed, creative golf experience that reminds you why the game is fun.

Have you played Matchbox yet? If so, I'd love to hear which hole was your favorite and what you thought of the experience.

Inside Matchbox