Pat Barber bought Tot Hill Farm in December 2022 and began a multimillion-dollar restoration project at the Asheboro, N.C. property. The course’s undulating bentgrass putting surfaces were converted to Prisz Zoysia due to its heat tolerance, cart paths received new asphalt, several tee boxes were leveled, and greens and bunkers were restored.
Tot Hill Farm Golf Club in Asheboro, N.C., designed by the legendary Mike Strantz, hosted a soft reopening after several restoration projects, including an old farmhouse now a clubhouse and new Prizm Zoysia putting surfaces.
Club + Resort Business last reported on the property’s progress in June.
During a succession of owners and management companies since opening in 2000, Tot Hill’s level of maintenance was inconsistent, Triad Business Journal reported. Sometimes, the course, including the greens, were in great shape. Sometimes, including several months just two years ago, many of the putting surfaces were close to unplayable.
Pat Barber, the new owner, plans to change that with a multimillion-dollar restoration project, Triad Business Journal reported. After buying Tot Hill Farm in December, Barber wasted little time. The course’s undulating, uniquely shaped bentgrass putting surfaces were converted to Prisz Zoysia due to its tolerance of the Piedmont’s hot summers.
The cart paths have new asphalt, several tee boxes were leveled, and greens, bunkers were restored, Triad Business Journal reported. New on-course restrooms were built and bridges were repaired. Many trees affecting the tees and greens were taken out.
“We kind of retouched everything,” said Barber.
The old, small farmhouse, which stood near the mobile home that had acted as a clubhouse, has been restored and now serves as the clubhouse with a pro shop, lounge area, snack bar, even a room with small tables, Triad Business Journal reported. There’s also a porch with a few tables and chairs.
The new ownership and management team has experience with upscale public golf courses. Barber, who lives in Charleston, S.C., owns Stono Ferry Golf Links on the south side of metro Charleston and The Plantation at Edisto, Triad Business Journal reported.
Barber’s General Manager at Stono Ferry is Greg Wood, a former golf professional at Winston Lakes Golf Course, Triad Business Journal reported. Ben Sloan will move up from the Charleston area to serve as a teaching professional.
Barber said Strantz’s pedigree — he also designed private Bulls Bay north of Charleston — caught his attention when the course was on the market, Triad Business Journal reported.
“Basically, knowing it’s a Mike Strantz course and seeing the natural beauty,” he said. “There was so much potential.”
Barber told Triad Business Journal he is working on a plan to allow locals to play at a reduced rate. The course also has some members, a large portion from homes near the course, but seldom in view.
Strantz’s layout features huge undulations, beautiful rock formations, creeks and lakes, large natural sand areas and mammoth greens, often with multiple tiers, Triad Business Journal reported. With several greens set upon large hills, most players must hit several blind approaches.
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