Sections of what will be the new 18-hole course at Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore wine country are beginning to take shape.
Recently, architect Jay Blasi, who is overseeing the project, stopped by to talk about some of the renovation progress.
“We’re just getting the train rolling. Golf construction is very much like a train. There’s the different parts, and they all have to go in sequence,” said Blasi, whose work includes 2015 U.S. Open venue Chambers Bay in Washington. “Right now we’re at a phase of the project where basically all of the different elements of the project are occurring at once. At the very front of the train we’ve got some preliminary earthworks going on, and at the back of the train we’ve got some grass seeding going on.”
Plans include the creation of a new 18-hole course, a new nine-hole course and various improvements to its practice areas including the driving range, which has already re-opened for members and public use. The renovation project, which will also make the two courses 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,” Blasi said. “At the same time, we want to make the course thought-provoking and challenging for the skilled players.”
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,” NCGA CEO Joe 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.”
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.
Throughout the project, there will always be nine holes open for play for both NCGA members and the public. The Poppy Ridge site is also still hosting 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.