There was more than just the ribbon-cutting and ceremonial tee shots at Poppy Ridge on May 19 and beyond. Here are some of the other highlights of things that were happening at the NCGA’s home course in the Livermore Valley prior to the May 31 public opening.
The First Eagle
Ted Johnson, a contributor to NCGA Golf Magazine, had the first eagle on the course.
Playing the scenic par-4 16th on May 19, Johnson had 63 yards left for his approach shot from the right-center portion of the fairway. His hooded sand wedge would land on the front of the green before rolling straight into the cup.
“It was a shot made true by Jay Blasi's design, a ball played low and meant to run out,” Johnson said.
Honoring John Dodsworth and Gary Fox
Former NCGA Board of Directors member John Dodsworth, who served as the chairperson for Poppy Holding, Inc. from 2020-24, received special recognition for his efforts and service during the project.
Also honored for his efforts and service towards the launch of the project was 2022 NCGA President Gary Fox. Fox, a member at Spring Hills Golf and Country Club, was presented with a commemorative Opening Day flag signed by architect Jay Blasi.
The First Albatross
The first (and perhaps last for who knows how long) albatross went to the NCGA’s own Bryan Rodriguez, who achieved the feat on the par-5 7th hole a few days after the opening celebration. The albatross was witnessed by Ted Giapapas, Eugene Lonsongco and Jose Alfaro.
Upon hearing of the feat, even course architect Jay Blasi raised his eyebrows, noting “That’s the most difficult hole on the course. It’s impressive.”
Said Rodriguez of his magic on the hole: “I had 239 yards for my second shot. The shot plays uphill and into the wind, so I had to hit a 3-wood since I'm no longer a spring chicken. The pin was in the middle of the green, so I aimed left of the green since there is a landing area there where the ball will kick and feed towards the green,” Rodriguez said. “I hit it solid and right where I wanted to, and I told my playing partner, ‘Let's see where it ends up’. After looking left of the green and long in case it went too far, my other playing partner said, ‘Let's check the hole.’ Turned out it ended up pretty well.”
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