Update October 23, 2024
If you've been to Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore recently, you probably noticed that grass is starting to come in at what will be the new 18-hole NCGA member course.
The new 18-hole course will feature three different types of grasses.
The tees, fairways and greens-surrounding areas will all be Santa Ana Bermuda grass, which is sod that has been installed.
"We think the Bermuda will love this climate," architect Jay Blasi explained. "The Bermuda loves the heat and requires less water."
On the greens complexes themselves, those will be seeded with a new variety of Bentgrass.
The third and final type of grass will be a hydro-seeded Fescue mix. That grass will be featured in the out-of-play areas.
The Poppy Ridge 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 is again open for members and public use. The renovation project is anticipated to be completed in mid-2025.
Blasi's previous work includes U.S. Open venue Chambers Bay in Washington and the recently renovated Golden Gate Park Golf Course in San Francisco.
As per the overall design, Blasi has noted that the new 18-hole course will be for players of all abilities.
“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.
The original Poppy Ridge site, which opened in 1996, consisted of three separate Nine-hole segments—the Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel layouts.
In 2014, the NCGA performed a full renovation of Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach to rave reviews.
Follow all of the renovation at Poppy Ridge on our Poppy Ridge Course Renovations Blog
You can also get a sneak peek at photos of the new 18-hole course here
Update: August 1, 2024
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.
March 7, 2024
Ten years after renovating Poppy Hills Golf Course, the NCGA is focusing on making improvements to its unique Bay Area golf property—the 27-hole Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore wine country.
Plans for what will be the new Poppy Ridge include the creation of an 18-hole Championship course, a Composite Nine-hole course, and selected improvements to its practice areas. Local Golf Course Architect Jay Blasi will oversee the design of the new 18-hole course and practice areas.
The project, expected to be completed in mid-2025, was initiated when it became mandatory to replace the course’s aging irrigation system, which was installed upon Poppy Ridge’s original opening in 1996.
“Upon extensive review of the property, we saw the opportunity to deliver a new 18-hole Championship course for our valued members and players of all abilities,” NCGA CEO Joe Huston said. “Additionally, we saw the opportunity to further incorporate a 9-hole course that supports our mission to ensure that golf is welcoming for people of all ages and skill levels.”
The original Poppy Ridge site consisted of three separate Nine-hole segments—the Chardonnay, Merlot and Zinfandel layouts. The architectural design for the two new components will make the overall layout more walkable, however, carts will continue to be available.
Throughout the project, there will be nine holes always 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 re-opened a fully renovated Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach to rave reviews.
When the NCGA originally opened Poppy Hills in 1986, it became the first Allied Golf Association to own and operate its own golf course. Poppy Ridge was later added in 1996.
To follow along with the progress and browse FAQs, please visit our Course Renovations page.