Poppy Hills Renovation
The Northern California Golf Association has begun the process to obtain permits for a complete golf course and clubhouse renovation at its home facility, Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach.
At a recent meeting, the NCGA Board of Directors approved the multi-year, multi-step process to:
- Redesign and lessen doglegs to help the course unfold more naturally
- Replace and redesign all putting greens
- Sandcap fairways to greatly improve drainage
- Replace irrigation system to better manage water usage
- Renovate the clubhouse including restaurant and restrooms
***Update – March 7, 2011
The permit is on schedule for filing in May 2011. The permit cannot be submitted until the environmental impact study is completed. This report is contingent on whether or not protected foliage and wildlife is visible after the winter dormancy period.
Once the permit is submitted, the best case for approval would be the fall of 2011. The project is anticipated to start in February of 2013.
The forestry report has been completed – the health of the forest is in decline meaning the project is not significantly detrimental to the health of existing trees. The archaeological report is complete with no anticipated disruption of preserved or known sites that would require protection.
A driving force behind the renovation of the NCGA members’ course is the conservation of water. The 24-year-old course already has an excellent environmental track record through its 100% utilization of recycled water for irrigation, but the overhaul further addresses water consumption by reducing irrigated areas of turf. The project will proceed with the Robert Trent Jones Jr. Group once the permit is obtained and given a favorable economic environment.
“We are excited about the prospect of improving Poppy Hills,” says NCGA/Poppy Holding CEO Lyn Nelson. “We take pride in our golf course and feel this is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the layout and playing conditions. Providing an unmatched golf experience and value for NCGA members will always be a top priority for the Association and this project seeks to enhance that experience and make our members’ course one of the finest in the nation.”
Open to the general public, Poppy Hills offers green fees as low as $55 for NCGA members vs. the $200 public rate. The course is also part of the NCGA Foundation’s Youth on Course program, where deserving youth can play for as low as $2.
Golf Course Renovation FAQ
Why are you renovating the facility?
The project is predicated on the need to replace the irrigation system that has reached its expected life of 25 years and is becoming very expensive to repair annually. The course has always had a problem with drainage and it makes sense to combine the two projects and consider other improvements during the closure period.
When will this begin?
The process to obtain has started best case approval would be fall of 2011. The project anticipated to start February 2013.
How long will the course be closed?
The holes on the clubhouse side of Lopez Road (Nos. 1-9 and 17 and 18) will remain open for the first several months and then close down once the renovations on the back nine are completed; at that time the entire course will be closed.
How is the Association subsidizing the renovation? Was it the reason for the dues increase?
No, the NCGA and Poppy Holding Inc. both have cash reserves that are being used and Poppy Holding has secured a loan.
Will member green fees increase once the course is reopened?
Our goal is to keep member rates as close as possible to the current rates while raising the guest and public fees.
Will tee time booking policies remain the same after the course reopens?
It is our goal to continue offering a 30-day advance booking window for NCGA members.
What will happen to the NCGA tournament play scheduled for Poppy Hills?
A portion of the events will move to Poppy Ridge and the remainder will move to local courses worthy of championship golf.
Will the practice facilities/restaurant be open during the renovation?
We would like to keep the practice facility and restaurant open during the first phase (3-5 months) of the renovation, but it will be necessary to close both at some point in the process.
Are there other courses where members can receive a discount during the renovation?
Yes, Poppy Ridge will remain open with the same member rates as will the more than 80 facilities throughout the region offering discounts and benefits through the NCGA Member Advantage.
Will the greens be redone and with what type of grass?
All greens will be replaced and redesigned and many of the complexes will gain additional square footage. The greens will change from Poa annua.
Will the yardage or par change?
The course will grow several hundred yards to more than 7,000 while par will drop from 72 to 71.
How much will the layout truly change?
The existing footprint will stay the same but 13 holes will be subtlety modified, while five holes will be significantly altered. The course will have a different feel with the removal of mounding from the fairways and severe doglegs will be lessened leaving a very natural course.
Will the renovated golf course still be a tough test of golf, or will it play easier?
It is our goal to maintain the “teeth” of the course, while also allowing golfers of all abilities to play the course. We currently offer four sets of tees. In the proposed renovation, we will add a fifth set of tees for more playing options. Mounding and pop-up bunkers will be replaced with soft rolling fairways and more naturally-contoured bunkering.
What will the renovated course look like?
We are looking to enhance our current course with a “Pine Valley” feel. There will be less mounding, more traditional lines that are brought back to the tree line, subtle playable waste areas and soft natural grasses brought into areas that currently have dormant grass cover. New Jersey’s Pine Valley is one of the top layouts in the world and is known for its rustic, natural waste areas that unfold naturally.
What will a new irrigation system and sand capping provide?
Faster and firmer conditions via better management of water, superior drainage and improved conditions in the winter.
Will an increase in yardage increase the water used to irrigate?
No, because the change to a more natural course leaves fewer acres of turf that require irrigation. We will use less water on the course; Poppy Hills is proud to use only recycled water for irrigation.
Are you renovating other parts of the facility as well?
Yes, a full renovation of the clubhouse is planned including Porter’s Grill & Bar and the restrooms.
Why use Robert Trent Jones Jr. and not another designer?
Jones originally designed the layout and after months of discussion and brainstorming we feel confident that he is the best fit because of his knowledge of the property and proven track record.
Will the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am return to Poppy Hills once the renovation is complete?
While it would be nice to have the AT&T return one day, this project is about repairing the irrigation system and improving the course for NCGA members. Once the course is completed the layout will be worthy of championship golf for every level.
Why are you doing this now, in an unstable economy?
This is an investment and the economic situation allows us to save money on the project. Poppy Hills is the Association’s most important asset and we see this as a wonderful opportunity to make our members’ course one of the finest in the nation.
