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About Us

Poppy Hills is more than just the hidden jewel of Pebble Beach. It’s a place to call home.
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Our Mission

At Poppy Hills, our mission is to enhance the golfing experience for both Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) members and guests alike. 

By maintaining outstanding courses, embodying our values of hospitality and personalized service, and giving players a place to enjoy great food and friendship, we aim to provide high-quality experiences that reflect NCGA standards.

Our Relationships

The Northern California
Golf Association (NCGA)

The Northern California
Golf Association (NCGA)
Poppy Ridge
Golf Course
Youth on Course
(YOC)

The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA)

NCGA_hero_desktop

The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA)

Poppy Hills is an NCGA-owned course.

With over 185,000 members belonging to over 1,300 clubs, the NCGA’s mission is to provide engaging and inclusive member services, and to inspire enjoyment for all golfers.

The NCGA administers USGA GHIN handicaps for its members, provides training and governance for the Rules of Golf, delivers hundreds of association events, and provides exclusive golf-related benefits and opportunities.

Visit NCGA

Poppy Ridge Golf Course

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Poppy Ridge Golf Course

Poppy Ridge is another NCGA-owned course, located in Livermore, CA. Known for sporting 27 holes of pure, inland links-style golf, for a sweeping 3,000 acres, and its breathtaking backdrop of the Livermore Valley Wine Country, Poppy Ridge is renowned by golfers of all abilities.

Visit Poppy Ridge

Youth on Course (YOC)

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Youth on Course (YOC)

Youth on Course provides young golfers with access to play courses for $5 or less, offering them the chance to not only understand and master the sport, but also to glean life lessons that can only be learned on the green.

Poppy Hills is proud to offer $5 rounds for Youth on Course members. Rounds are available Monday–Friday 2:30-2:50pm.
Call the Golf Shop 72 hours in advance for availability and booking.

Visit Youth on Course

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Our History

Poppy Hills Golf Course opened in 1986, although it was conceived under a different name: the Hilltop Course.

The property is nestled deep in the forest of Pebble Beach, riding the complex, ascending topography across the Riparian Corridor.

The Northern California Golf Association built Poppy Hills — the new name chosen by the winner of a member contest — to serve as its headquarters and tournament home. The land was earmarked for a golf course by Pebble Beach founder Samuel F.B. Morse, and the 164-acre site was sold to the NCGA in 1977 for just $7,000 per acre. As demand for an amateur tournament golf grew, Poppy Hills was called upon to complement Spyglass Hill, which still hosts many of the NCGA’s majors.

Poppy Hills was the first course to be owned and operated by a golf association in the United States when it opened on June 1, 1986. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design has since co-hosted the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am from 1991 through 2009; the Spalding Pebble Beach Invitational (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993); and the 1991 NCAA Men’s Championships. Matt Gogel set the old Poppy Hills course record with a 62 in the second round of the 2001 AT&T.

Starting in March of 2013, Poppy Hills underwent an extensive renovation, primarily to conserve water, by improving irrigation and drainage. Jones returned to Poppy Hills with his Robert Trent Jones II design firm, and created a firm, fast, and dazzling course, one that unfolds seamlessly through the stunning Del Monte Forest.

Jones reinvented the course, restoring each hole to its natural elevation along the forest floor, softening doglegs and contours, rebuilding all 18 greens with bentgrass, eliminating rough, and introducing native waste areas that reduce irrigated turf by nearly 25%.

The new Poppy Hills reopened on April 4, 2014.

Read more about The Creation of Poppy Hills in the Spring edition of the 2001 NCGA Golf magazine.

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About the Architect

Robert Trent Jones Jr. has designed over 200 golf courses globally, at least one on six continents (minus Antarctica). Best known for his work on CordeValle and Chambers Bay, his work is consistently lauded as being ahead of its time.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Alongside the NCGA, Poppy Hills embraces diversity and celebrates inclusivity. We work to ensure the game of golf is accessible and welcoming to all ages and identities, and all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Want to learn more about the NCGA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?

Our Team

Steve Schroeder
Chief Operating Officer Poppy Holding, Inc.
Team Member Since: 2019
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Constructing a formidable recreational experience for our constituents to enjoy provides the ultimate escape for fun and happiness.

Steve Schroeder
Chief Operating Officer Poppy Holding, Inc.

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Constructing a formidable recreational experience for our constituents to enjoy provides the ultimate escape for fun and happiness.

Brett Armstrong
Vice President, Poppy Holding, Inc.
Team Member Since: 2019
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Being able to work with and for people that share my passion for growing the game of golf. There is no other sport that anyone, of any age can play.

Brett Armstrong
Vice President, Poppy Holding, Inc.

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Being able to work with and for people that share my passion for growing the game of golf. There is no other sport that anyone, of any age can play.

John Whitacre
F&B & Facilities Director
Team Member Since: 2015
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Having the opportunity to interact with people who have passion for an extraordinary sport in a spectacular natural environment.

John Whitacre
F&B & Facilities Director

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Having the opportunity to interact with people who have passion for an extraordinary sport in a spectacular natural environment.

Denzel Walker
Head Golf Professional
Team Member Since: 2022
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

The golf industry allows me to interact with people from all backgrounds. I truly enjoy using the game of golf to make a positive impact on others.

Denzel Walker
Head Golf Professional

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

The golf industry allows me to interact with people from all backgrounds. I truly enjoy using the game of golf to make a positive impact on others.

Jesse Plaza
Golf Professional
Team Member Since: 1999
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

The people you meet from around the world.

Jesse Plaza
Golf Professional

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

The people you meet from around the world.

Cassidy Young
Group Ambassador & Merchandiser
Team Member Since: 2015
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Working in the golf industry has positively impacted my life in many ways; communication, teamwork, organizational skills, and lifelong friendships!

Cassidy Young
Group Ambassador & Merchandiser

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

Working in the golf industry has positively impacted my life in many ways; communication, teamwork, organizational skills, and lifelong friendships!

Lupe Orozco
Superintendent
Team Member Since: 1999
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What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

I like that I have the opportunity maintain and prepare the golf course on a daily basis to give the customer the opportunity to play on a championship condition course.

Lupe Orozco
Superintendent

What I like about working in the golf/hospitality industry:

I like that I have the opportunity maintain and prepare the golf course on a daily basis to give the customer the opportunity to play on a championship condition course.

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Join the Team

Become part of the amazing team at Poppy Hills Golf Course. We hope you’ll join us in our efforts to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of golf!

Directions to Poppy Hills Golf Course

Poppy Hills golf course is located in Pebble Beach, nestled among the pines of the Del Monte Forest on the Monterey Peninsula.

Pebble Beach is a gated incorporated community, and upon entry from one of four gate locations, you will need to mention your tee time or business at Poppy Hills. Poppy Hills is not affiliated with Pebble Beach Company, and you will not need to pay a fee to enter.

Address:
3200 Lopez Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953