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 local 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 outside of Seattle. “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.
** Course Map Subject to Change