Poppy Ridge Golf Course, one of two courses owned and operated by the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), has reopened following a 13-month construction and grow-in process guided by architect Jay Blasi.
The NCGA’s other property is Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach.
Under Blasi’s direction, a new 18-hole Poppy Ridge course was created that takes advantage of the bold, rolling landscape and long-distance views. Key to the Livermore, California, project was creating a venue that would challenge the world’s best golfers while also being enjoyable for players of all abilities. The NCGA has more than 220,000 members who can play Poppy Ridge at significantly reduced rates as a benefit of membership.
"The new 18-hole golf course has been reimagined," Blasi said. "It is completely different from the old concept, so it’s a new and thrilling experience for all. I would suspect that first-timers are taken by the beauty of the site and the surrounding vistas, and that they appreciate how the golf course fits the landscape. For regulars who played Poppy Ridge many times before the project, I would hope that they appreciate the newfound walkability, playability and variety of the layout."
Originally a 1996 Rees Jones 27-hole spread, every aspect of the 7,010-yard, par-72 course was subject to change, from all-new turf to state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Turf: Tees, fairways and green surrounds feature Santa Ana Bermuda, a warm-weather turf that requires less water than the old, cool-season grass and offers excellent playability year-round. The new greens are Prestige Bentgrass, which can be maintained at lower heights.
Fairways: "Given the windy nature of the site and the dramatic elevation changes, the fairways are quite wide," Blasi said. Most range from 40 to 60 yards, with some spots as wide as 100 yards. "Keeping them wide allows the everyday player to get around, but at the same time, there is lots of contour that the best players will need to assess and attack strategically."
Bunkers: The large, bold scale of the site allows for many bunkers to sit in hillsides and serve as transitions from one landscape to another. The bunkers also were designed to match the shot being played, with a lower lip if a middle or long iron is necessary to get out; a higher lip greenside where a wedge is necessary. A custom blend of sand was used to provide playability, drainage and a natural color that presents a beautiful contrast.
Greens: Like the bunkers, the greens were formed to match the setting and the shot, resulting in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Greens meant to be hit with a short iron likely are smaller, and/or offer more movement; greens likely to receive a longer approach shot will be bigger and/or feature surrounding slopes to help feed the ball toward the surface.
Walkability: The original Poppy Ridge was not walkable for most people, with long distances between greens and tees and many steep grades. The new course features shorter walks between holes and smoother transitions across the varying landscapes. "If you normally play the course around 6,500 yards," Blasi said, "the walk will now be about 2,000 yards shorter with around 400 feet less overall elevation change than what it used to be."
Along with the all-new 18-hole course, Poppy Ridge has a newly renovated practice facility and short game area. It features a 1.25-acre natural grass hitting area, a chipping and pitching green with two practice bunkers, a 17,000-square-foot putting green, and numerous practice targets.
The site also features a fun, shorter nine-hole course, named The Ridge 9. The par-34 course is primarily composed of holes from the original Merlot layout, with selected new golf course features, and sits high on the property. The Ridge 9 plays from 1,950 to 3,000 yards.
GROUND BROKEN AT PLOVER COVE
Fry/Straka Global Golf Design has broken ground on Plover Cove Golf Club in Hong Kong’s New Territories. Set to redefine the Shuen Wan landfill in Tai Po, Plover Cove will be the first regulation golf course on privately owned reclaimed land in the city, and also the first new golf course in Hong Kong in nearly 30 years.
"Plover Cove is a groundbreaking golf course that represents a new standard in both design and conditioning, positioning itself among the finest courses in the world," said Dean Nelson, general manager of Plover Cove. "Transforming this once overlooked parcel of land into a remarkable golfing destination underscores our commitment to preserving Hong Kong’s status as a premier global hub."
Fry/Straka will team with Flagstick Golf Course Construction Management in creating the 6,600-yard, par-71 course, which will include sandcapping, state-of-the-art bunkering and drainage, and firm-and-fast, rolling fairways that will sport Zoysia grass and a sub-surface moisture management that is also used at Augusta National and TPC Sawgrass. Likely to be Hong Kong’s final private 18-hole, championship course, Plover Cove is expected to open in 2027.
THE SOCIAL ASPECT
Unbelievable work getting done @OldeEight the lines of a @Maserati_HQ with the soul of a classic GTO @JDRgolfdesign @MazzellaGolf #Golf #SouthCarolina ⛳️🇺🇸⛳️ pic.twitter.com/7Q787JjEjp
— Shane LeBaron (@LeBaronGolf) June 26, 2025
A PEARL OF A THREE-HOLER
Pearl at Kalauao on the Hawaiian island of Oahu opened Na Momi ‘Ekolu — "The Three Pearls" — a new three-hole pitch-and-putt course designed for golfers of all ages and skill levels, on June 14. Named for the precious momi (pearls) that once thrived in Pu’uloa (Pearl Harbor), this course honors the rich heritage of the ‘aina while creating a welcoming space for the community to gather, play and connect. Architects David Dale and Kevin Ramsey created the wee layout, the same team that has renovated the club’s 18-hole championship course, as well as the club’s practice facilities.
"This new way to experience Pearl at Kalauao will resonate well with kama’aina and visitors alike," said Ed Kageyama, PGA general manager of Pearl at Kalauao. "Na Momi ‘Ekolu offers a fun and less intimidating way for everyone to enjoy the game — whether they’re new to golf or fine-tuning their short game."
Each hole at Na Momi ‘Ekolu carries a unique name that introduces golfers to ‘olelo Hawai’i while reflecting the playful spirit of both the individual holes and the course. Ke Kupu, "The Upstart," is the opening hole that symbolizes a player’s growth and the start of their journey. Ka ‘Eu, "The Rascal," offers a playful challenge that rewards creativity and finesse. The final hole, Ke Kolohe, "The Mischief-Maker," demands accuracy and strategy with a spark of fun and mischief.
With hole distances ranging from 40 to 60 yards, Na Momi ‘Ekolu is ideal for beginners, juniors, casual players and advanced golfers looking to sharpen their short games. The layout is adjustable daily to enhance variety and playing experiences.
Na Momi ‘Ekolu joins the recently revitalized 18-hole course, practice facility and clubhouse as part of Pearl at Kalauao’s continued evolution as one of Hawaii’s premier golf destinations.
"Whether you’re stopping by for a quick round on the short course, playing a full 18, practicing your swing, enjoying a Night Market or having lunch with friends, there’s something here for everyone," Kageyama said. "Pearl at Kalauao is more than a place to golf — it’s a place for connection, celebration and community. It’s where people can gather, feel welcome and enjoy meaningful time together."
