Reflecting on the past but always looking forward.
For 125 years now, the Northern California Golf Association has collaborated with others in the Northern California golf community to help inspire a passion for the game.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the major moments in the NCGA’s illustrious 125-year history:
It all began in 1901 when five clubs --Menlo Country Club, Oakland Golf Club (now Claremont Country Club), Presidio Golf Course, Linda Vista (now San Jose Country Club) and San Francisco Golf Club banded together to compete in the Pacific Coast Amateur Championship.
The first Championship was held on the links of the San Francisco Golf Club at The Presidio, April 24-27, 1901.
A year after its formation, the NCGA held its first annual meeting. The main topic was adding a golf course to what today is Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. In 1911, the USGA Handicap Index System was established, with the NCGA implementing the system for its members.
Three years later in 1914, The Green Book of Golf was published. The Green Book of Golf featured results and scores from tournaments and events held throughout the West Coast region.
In 1939, the NCGA officially acquired its own address, moving into offices at 405 Montgomery Street in San Francisco. The building today is in the heart of the Financial District.
Seven years later in 1946, the NCGA established a Handicap Index Membership Card Program for its members. At the time, the fee was $1.
Another milestone was reached in 1952, when the Rules of Golf became uniform worldwide.
Due to the NCGA’s need for a course to host its championships, then-NCGA executive director Bob Hanna began discussions with Pebble Beach Company about opening a course in the Del Monte Forest. The land would still be owned by Pebble Beach Company, but the course would be the NCGA’s.
In 1963, the NCGA took the first step by temporarily moving its headquarters to a cottage at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The site was at what is today the Pebble Beach Market near the Visitors Center.
Just three years later in 1966, the dream became reality as Spyglass Hill, which was funded by a group of NCGA members known as The Founders and designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened its fairways. The NCGA had found its new home, and shortly after moved its headquarters from Pebble Beach Golf Links to Spyglass Hill.
Due to the success of Spyglass Hill, and the need for a course to host the ever-expanding NCGA championships schedule, the NCGA began exploring the idea of building and owning its own course.
In 1977, monumental steps were taken as the NCGA purchased a 164-acre parcel of land known as Hilltop in Del Monte Forest. Nearly a decade later, after finalizing plans and permits, the NCGA in 1986 opened Poppy Hills Golf Course, designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. With the opening of Poppy Hills, the NCGA became the first regional golf association to own and operate its own course.
Throughout its history, the NCGA has led with innovation—creating new programs, enhancing member benefits and continually investing in the game.
In addition to owning and operating championship courses, the NCGA established a charitable Foundation in 1989. Through that Foundation, Youth on Course was created in 2006, allowing young golfers to play for $5 or less. What began in Northern California has grown into a national and international movement, now reaching all 50 states as well as Canada and Australia.
Today, Youth on Course operates as an independent organization, and the NCGA continues to build on that legacy through a new NCGA Foundation—focused on growing the game, providing opportunities to those who make the game possible and transforming lives.
Ten years after the opening of Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach, the NCGA would double-down, opening Poppy Ridge, then a 27-hole facility, in Livermore Valley.
Inspired by the successful opening of Poppy Hills, the NCGA commissioned Golf Digest’s 1995 Architect of the Year, Rees Jones, to weave holes through the vineyards of Livermore Valley. At the time of its opening, the NCGA became the first Allied Golf Association to own and operate two courses.
As it has been since the earliest days, the NCGA has continued to invest in the golf experience for its members.
In 2013, Poppy Hills was reimagined by the original architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and remains the home of golf for the NCGA.
And just last year, Poppy Ridge was completely transformed into a new championship-caliber facility—featuring an 18-hole course designed by Jay Blasi, a fun and accessible 9-hole course and a significantly expanded practice and short-game area.
Fittingly, in this 125th anniversary year, the story comes full circle, with Poppy Ridge hosting the Pacific Coast Amateur Championship—the very championship that led to the founding of the NCGA in 1901.
From five clubs at the beginning to more than 230,000 members today, the NCGA continues to look forward—working to ensure the game of golf remains vibrant, inclusive, and accessible across Northern California.
Happy 125th Anniversary to the NCGA!
