Poppy Hills to Reopen April 4


The remodel of Poppy Hills Golf Course is finishing up. The course inside Pebble Beach's Del Monte Forest is set for its first day of public play on April 4.

One of the biggest changes golfers will see is no rough. Poppy Hills will incorporate just one cut of grass throughout - a fairway height that runs from the tees to the greens. The short turf is used as a defense, as well as for unique opportunities to score. The redesign by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) encourages play on the ground and through the air.

"We are fast approaching the start of a new era for Poppy Hills," said the facility's general manager, Brad Shupe. "What originally began as a master plan to merely modernize irrigation and drainage has led to an extensive and incredible renovation. It's going to be a firm, fast, fun experience in the forest."

Now far more open, the revamped Poppy Hills will keep its forested character as it winds through the towering Monterey pines found in Pebble Beach. The renovation also softened doglegs.

The fairways have been sand-capped to promote firm and fast conditions year-round, while all 18 greens were redesigned, rebuilt and reseeded with bentgrass. Natural, sandy waste areas have been introduced along the forest floor, adding strategic value. The waste areas also play an integral role in reducing the amount of irrigated turf from 80 to 60 acres - making Poppy Hills much more environmentally friendly.

Poppy Hills will play as a par 71. The 12th hole was changed from a dogleg par-5 to a straightaway par-4 and now offers spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains. The 11th hole remains a par-3, but with a completely new design; it now plays as a short shot to a green tucked into the forest.

The renovation also includes a remodeled golf shop, restaurant and practice facilities. For additional information, visit www.poppyhillsgolf.com.