Photo by Joann Dost
The renovation project at NCGA member course Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore wine country has commenced.
On April 2, a groundbreaking attended by NCGA officials and other Northern California golf dignitaries celebrating the start of the renovation was conducted at the property.
Among the keynote presenters were NCGA CEO Joe Huston, 2024 NCGA President Edward Quinn, Poppy Holding Inc. Chairperson John Dodsworth and acclaimed architect Jay Blasi, who will oversee the project.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for the NCGA, its membership and the Northern California golf community,” Huston said. “Our goal is to provide inherent value and benefit for all, and we believe this renovation is a major step in providing that objective. We look forward to sharing the finished project with golfers of all abilities.”
Plans for what will be the new Poppy Ridge include the creation of a new 18-hole Championship course, a Composite Nine-hole layout featuring interesting holes along with multiple tee box areas, and various improvements to its practice areas. The project, which will also make the two courses much more walkable, is anticipated to be completed in mid-2025.
The original Poppy Ridge site, which opened in 1996, consisted of three separate Nine-hole segments—the Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel layouts.
“Because this is the home course of NCGA members, we want to ensure the course is fun and enjoyable for all players,” said Blasi, whose work includes the recently re-designed Golden Gate Park Golf Course in San Francisco and U.S. Open venue Chambers Bay in Washington. “At the same time, we want to make the course thought-provoking and challenging for the skilled players.”
As per sustainability, Blasi noted the new courses will feature new turfgrass that will require less water and be designed to require less day-to-day maintenance.
The Poppy Ridge project was initiated when it became mandatory to replace the course’s aging irrigation system, which was installed upon its original opening.
“Upon extensive review of the property, we saw an inherent opportunity to deliver a new 18-hole Championship course for our valued members and players of all abilities,” Huston said. “Additionally, the possibility existed to further incorporate a 9-hole course that fully supports our mission to ensure that golf is welcoming for people of all ages and skill levels.”
Throughout the project, there will always be nine holes open for play for both NCGA members and the public. The Poppy Ridge site will also still be able to host casual group outings, charity outings, weddings, and other special events.
In 2014, the NCGA performed a full renovation of Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach to rave reviews.
What will the cost to play be after the renovation?
Green fees will be structured to provide inherent value and benefit for all NCGA Members.
During the renovation, will NCGA members get a discount on the nine-hole course?
NCGA members always receive favorable NCGA green fees as part of their member benefits. And they will receive specialized NCGA member rates on the nine-hole course.
Will golfers be compensated in some way due to less frequency of play and how it impacts the Poppy Rewards program?
Frequency of play is not expected to be an issue at this time. Poppy Hills and Poppy Ridge Club members can continue to accrue loyalty points under the rewards program.
Will Poppy Ridge Club memberships be a reduced price since certain services/benefits may not be offered?
Poppy Ridge Club memberships will continue to be available for $99/year throughout the renovation project. Poppy Ridge Club membership fees will continue to provide access to the full suite of NCGA Member benefits, several tournaments throughout the renovation, as well as the loyalty points program.
Will the practice area be open?
The practice area is planned to be operational for the majority of the period during the project construction. Golfers should check the Poppy Ridge website or contact the property for dates and hours of operation.
Will the clubhouse/restaurant/snack bar remain open during renovation?
Absolutely! All guests are welcome to dine at The Grill. It is popular among golfers and non-golfers alike!
Is Poppy Ridge still doing weddings?
Yes, Poppy Ridge is still offering the Clubhouse and outdoor patio for weddings and receptions.
Why haven’t the Poppy Ridge Club/NCGA members been asked for their opinions/inputs regarding the future plans of the golf course?
The NCGA and Poppy Holding Board Members, along with Senior Management, have completed a long-term, comprehensive study of all golf course components within the property, and believe an opportunity exists to greatly improve the overall golf experience for all NCGA Members, while also addressing the future golf demand marketplace. The results of these studies are further supported by golfer/member input via qualitative and quantitative research and surveys.
Will this cause an increase to NCGA member dues?
NCGA Member dues were increased in 2024 after 7 years of no increases. The factors accounting for the increase include the ongoing costs of inflation along with the expansion of NCGA programs and services. The renovation of Poppy Ridge did not factor into the increase. Potential NCGA member dues increases are assessed both annually and periodically, and an increase is not anticipated in 2025.