Tot Hill Tales - Stories from those who have been thrilled, frustrated and thrilled again

Posted At : October 24, 2007 3:24 PM | Posted By : Administrator
Related Categories: Golf Stories

Being ranked as the 7th Hardest Course in America by Golf Digest most assuredly means Tot Hill has wreaked havoc in some and dazzled others. This blog is dedicated to the unforgettable, and perhaps forgettable moments as shared by our many great customers.

We invite you to tell us your stories and memories of your trips around Tot Hill Farm. Now we know Tot Hill has made us all utter words that our moms would wash our mouths out for saying. But please refrain from using them in this blog as we want to create an entertaining atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all.

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This golf course is one of the most beautiful tracks that I've ever seen, but
the designer tricked the course up way too much. It is rated one of the
top ten toughest courses only because it is so tricked up. The course is
more like something you would see on a video game, but it is alot of fun to
play. I suggest patrons should just try to have fun and enjoy the beauty of
the course, because a 10 handicap on this course will be lucky if he/she can keep
their score in the 80's.

# Posted By Tom Gross | 11/12/07 4:19 PM

Played Tot Hill for the first time last week,and I was excited by Mike's design.As a golf course owner and builder I have seen many designs,but to play a course where the desgner creates aa sense of intrigue to what will come next is a design concept that is much needed in golf today.Way to go Mike! You are surely missed! Lyndell Young

# Posted By l young | 12/3/07 11:59 PM

Played Tot Hill Farms for the first time in December. Was back again in two days to play it again. Will be there New Years Eve for the third time! Absolutely loved it. It became my favorite instantly (Tobacco Road falls to 2nd). Tot Hill Farms is a place to go enjoy a quite breathtaking course. If you come here to shoot a great score, you're likely to be disappointed. It will challenge not only your game physically, but mentally as well.

J Yager

# Posted By J Yager | 12/30/07 1:00 PM

Drove from Cary NC, and boy was it worth it. Got matched up with Larry, a member of the course, and he was kind enough to show us around. Made a difference. shot 9 strokes lower on the back after meeting up with
him.
What a view, what a course and cant wait to come back. Thanks for the hospitality, the conditions were amazing and even with 3+ dollars a gallon gas, will be back soon.
Thanks again Tot Hill, we will reccomend you highly.

PS, if it's too hard, you're too south!!!!

# Posted By tor gabrielson | 1/8/08 9:06 PM

Played Tot Hill again today. It is one of my favorite courses in the area. With a little polish to some of the rough areas this is a world class track. With the exception of greens 9, 14, and 17 this is a fair course and good test. The previously mentioned Greens just have too much fall off to be used as green. Looked like they have been working on the course today. Look forward to the spring.

# Posted By Mike Phillips | 1/8/08 10:57 PM

having allready played the course twice, i am coming down "holy saturday"
to play again. not many courses in michigan that are this beautiful.
the shoot making required is not as bad as people say. overall
a great golf experience for fair price. joeb.

# Posted By joe bellino | 1/28/08 4:51 PM

I played the course last Sunday and came away very impressed. The scenery and background of the course was spectacular. It's hard not to get distracted by the views. The greens had been aerated so the putting was interesting. Shot making is the key and only in a few places did I feel that the course was "tricked up" with too severe slopes on the greens or almost impossible shots. I got as many favorable bounces as I did unfavorable. Bring your "A" game - you're gonna need it. I look forward to playing the course again.

# Posted By Bill Byrd | 3/11/08 12:25 PM

Scott, Troy and I played the course for the first time on 3/13/08. We have definately fallen in love and will make this a repeat destination. The breathtaking views are enough to keep me coming back, besides the incredible
shots you are forced to take. After my friends left to head home, I stuck around for an extra round of nine. I am glad I did, I ended up hitting an ace on hole #3 (The Rock) That will be a moment I will never forget, my first hole in one, and it was on one serious par 3!!! Thanks for keeping this course available and beautiful!

# Posted By Jimmy | 3/16/08 4:47 PM

Played the course on Friday, March 14th with our group from Ohio, we had a blast and were surprised at how fair the course played. Only a couple of holes (9 and 14) gave our group grave trouble. We played 36 so the second 18 was a better round.

Our group also played 36 at Tallamore, and 18 at Tobacco Road. This course was my favorite for two reasons.

Fairness of it's design, you can actually hit driver and not be shaking at the knees.

The people at the course are incredible! Everyone we came in contact with bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and a valued guest. At many top notch courses this is something that is missing but I assure you the Tot Hill Farm people will treat you with class.

# Posted By Donnie Musick | 3/19/08 1:32 PM

This is a very fair course from tee to green. (You could almost land a small plane on most fairways)
The talk of being tricked up is thrown around but I'd rather think of it as keeping you alert.
The real trick is trying to have a good day with the putter.
The greens are a definite challenge.
This is a beautiful course and every time I have played it has been in excellent condition.
We are looking forward to our round on Monday, April 24th.

# Posted By Don Puckett | 3/19/08 7:07 PM

We had a group of twelve from Maine play at Tot Hill. Of the different
courses Tot Hill was the best. Breath taking views. The front and back are
completely different. Beautiful view and great greens. We will be back!!!
The staff was great

# Posted By Wayne Drown | 4/22/08 7:58 AM

Man this was a beautiful course. Many of my friends told me this was going to be the toughest courses i would play. But it really wasnt that hard, the pins were in easy positions and the greens spin and check up really nice. The layout is verygood, and
requires alot of solid shots into the greens. Not a hard course if you just play, and not worry about the layout. My first time playing was today and i shot 74 today from the blacks.

# Posted By Trey Croom | 5/3/08 11:33 PM

What a beautiful course and design! My first time was in February of this year with a group of 16 and it was awesome, i just went back and played on the 8th anniversary and it was even better. Best fairways and greens i have played on in a long time!

# Posted By Matty E | 5/15/08 12:59 PM

Just played Tot Hill for the first time last Saturday (7/19/08). I thought it was a great course, what a test! I'm a huge fan of Mike's designs. It's truly a great loss that he was taken way too soon. I've played Caledonia, True Blue and Tobacco Road all of which are tremendous layouts. He was definitely a genius.

I have been on a roll lately and was 1 under through 15 but doubled #16 and ended up with a 1 over 73 on Saturday. My second best round ever. To say I can't wait to get back is an understatement. One of the best values around.

# Posted By Keith | 7/24/08 10:42 AM

The leaves are changing, should be in full color next week. Fairways are
overseeded with rye, a little slow coming up this year, but we are back on the fairways with carts. The greens are perfect, brushed and double cut yesterday. Quick enough and smooooth!

# Posted By Amar | 10/30/08 8:09 AM

Wow, yet another gem. Every time I pull into the parking lot of a Maverick designed course, I know I'm in for a treat.

From scenery to interesting shots to conditions to some of the friendliest staff you could find on a golf course, nothing about a day of golf at Tot Hill will disappoint. Right from the first shot off the first tee, you know you're in for a day of golf the likes of which are seldom seen anywhere. From elevation changes in both directions, to bold tee shots offering interesting risk-reward decisions to perfectly manicured greens that make you wish you could just putt all day, Tot Hill is course that stands in proud statement of the artistry of Mike Strantz. The serenity of the location is interrupted only by the occasional golf outburst, be it in elation or in total annoyance with a golf shot. Conditions were as close to perfect as one could hope to see on a golf course. The pro shop was reasonably priced, and the hamburger on the turn couldn't have been any better.

I thought in all fairness, I should try to find something less than positive to say about the course. The only possible thing I could say that I didn't just love about Tot Hill is how far away it is from where I live In Myrtle Beach. While it makes for a long day, the anticipation on the way to the course and the memories on the way home make the drive worthwhile. Long trip or not, I WILL make this trek again...Tot Hill has absolutely made it onto my "must play again" list, and is definitely in my top 5 favorite courses of all time anywhere. Some of the photos from the golf day we had there are posted on my website listed above...feel free to see for yourself the beauty that is Tot Hill Farm in the "Golf Photo Gelleries" section.

Rest in peace, Mr. Strantz, and thank you for this glorious golf course.

# Posted By Kristen Paul | 11/13/08 3:55 PM

This my absolute favorite course it kicks my rear every time i play but i love the layout. I have broken 100 only twice here(i'm not that good)but i wish i could play this course every day to bad it is a 2 1/2 hr drive from where i live.

# Posted By chris shell | 11/14/08 1:05 PM

I shot the best round ever in my life at +1 (done 3 times, only once at this course), and have played Tot Hill at least twice a year for the past 8 years. The best course I have ever played and will make this an annual expierence. My friends and I are playing 36 this Tuesday (April 14) and always try to kickoff the golf year here.I played here when 1 was 10 and 10 was 1. Can't imagine a better place. Every shot is challenging both to the eye and shot. I took my parents here and they said it was better than Hawaii. I recommend every golfer, young and old, good and bad, all types, saying they HAVE to play here.
I will always play here.
Thank you,
Andy Whitford

# Posted By Andy Whitford | 4/11/09 9:03 PM

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