POPPY HILLS GOLF COURSE (1986)

 

CENTRAL COAST REGION

Public: 18 hole - cost: $50 - $160

3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Tel: (831) 622-8239  

 

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Home of the NCGA and a host course to the AT&T, Poppy Hills is scenic, challenging, and well maintained. Longer hitters will need to throttle back and be patient on this layout that rewards accuracy. Not only is Poppy Hills one the three courses that the AT&T calls home, the NCGA also makes a home there. From within Monterey: Take the Pebble Beach exit off Highway 1. Follow the signs to the Pebble Beach gate. The guard gives further directions from there. Poppy Hills is a great test of golf. You will use every club in your bag and maybe a few in someone else's. Join the NCGA, if for nothing else, to play this course once a year at a discount.

 

POPPY RIDGE GOLF COURSE (1996)

 

BAY AREA REGION

Public - 27 hole - cost: $25 - $75

4280 Greenville Road, Livennore, CA 94550

Tel: (925) 447-6779  

 

Designed by Rees Jones. There are three courses at Poppy Ridge that are played in 18-hole combinations. They are the Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Merlot. The 27 holes here have been artfully blended to be similar in challenge and attractiveness. Bold, artistic bunkering is a highlight. Although this course is long, make accuracy off the tee a priority. Wind will almost always be a factor. From Dublin (about 15 miles east to the course): Take I-580 east to Livermore. Take the Greenville Road exit and head south about seven miles to the course. From a value, course design, and service standpoint, Poppy Ridge has never received the respect it deserves. This is a well-run golf facility that will have you coming back again and again.