Tobacco Road Golf Club opened a 12-hole short course named The Matchbox for public play on Saturday, Aug. 1, offering a 40- to 80-yard layout just 45 minutes from downtown Raleigh, according to club officials. Imagined by Justin Carlton and Lee Marshall and shaped by original constructor Mark White, the par-three track requires precise wedge play while utilizing synthetic turf to preserve the surrounding pine tree canopy.
The Design Philosophy Behind The Matchbox
The course was created to test a golfer’s touch while weaving through a semi-hidden section of the property. Owner Mark Stewart compared the experience to forest bathing. “You’re just out in nature, and you got the birds, frogs and everything else. It’s just a great, kind of low-key, low-pressure (course),” Stewart said according to club statements.
Marshall noted that the walking trail style course offers “one of the coolest walks … that you’ll do even if you don’t play golf.” The layout draws direct inspiration from the main Tobacco Road design, which ranks as the No. 44 greatest U.S. public golf course by Golf Digest. The ninth hole mimics the opening shot of the main course by requiring players to drive between two imposing mounds. “Mike casts a long shadow over everything we do,” Stewart said, nodding to late architect Mike Strantz.
Pro Tip: Tackling The Matchbox
Most players can use their highest lofted wedge to navigate the entire track, according to the architects. However, tighter angles and tricky pin placements from the shorter tee boxes often create more difficult challenges than the back tees.
Synthetic Turf Integration and Maintenance
The decision to install synthetic turf instead of natural grass was driven entirely by tree preservation, according to project leaders. Marshall stated that traditional grass installation would have required clearing 50% to 70% of the trees surrounding the course, whereas the artificial surface limited tree removal to about 10%.
The synthetic material also reduces maintenance demands significantly. Daily upkeep requires only about an hour of work using a leaf blower to clear pine straw and debris, according to Marshall. Each hole features multiple tee boxes, creating roughly 30 different shot combinations depending on flag positions.
Unique Course Features and the Bonus Hole
Architects leaned into natural obstacles rather than removing them during construction. The fifth hole features a living tree growing directly out of the center of the green, with an option to place the pin directly behind it. “We were just kind of embracing the scenery,” Carlton said. “We’d rather (have) left the tree there than to take it down.”
Additionally, designers carved out a bonus “12.5” hole. Situated beside holes 12 and 13 of the main course, this extra layout lets golfers play a quick hole while waiting out backups on the primary tee box. Tee times for The Matchbox begin at $75.
Did You Know?
While golf purists may find the unconventional layout polarizing—much like the main course—Tobacco Road’s leadership continues to embrace its non-traditional identity, welcoming players to judge the experience firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did The Matchbox open?
The 12-hole short course opened for public play on Saturday, Aug. 1.
How much do tee times cost at The Matchbox?
Tee times for the short course start at $75, according to course management.
Why does the short course use synthetic turf?
Synthetic turf was installed to protect the tree canopy, requiring the removal of only 10% of the surrounding trees rather than the 50% to 70% that natural grass would have required.
Where is Tobacco Road Golf Club located?
The facility is located in Sanford, approximately 45 minutes from downtown Raleigh.
What are your thoughts on synthetic turf short courses? Would you play a 12-hole layout with blind approaches and trees on the greens? Leave a comment below and share this article with your golfing group!
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