Poppy Hills reopens as Robert Trent Jones II completes renovation
Poppy Hills Golf Club has reopened for play following a 13-month redesign project overseen by the course’s original architect Robert Trent Jones II.
Jones’s work at the course in Pebble Beach, California, includes the restoration of each hole to its natural elevation, softened doglegs and contours, and the redesign of all 18 greens with bentgrass.
Other features of the project include the building of a new 11th hole and the creation of the downhill 12th hole, which tees off towards views of Monterey Bay.
A focus of the renovation project was improving drainage on the course while conserving water. Native waste areas have been introduced to reduce irrigated turf by nearly 25 acres. A more efficient irrigations system has also been installed and the entire course has been sand capped to enhance drainage.
“It’s a renaissance more than a renovation,” Jones said. “It’s really a brand new golf course. The new conceptions have reinvigorated the golf course. They will bring the course back to all its glory.”
Par has dropped from 72 to 71, but Poppy Hills’ yardage has increased from 6,863 to 7,002 yards.
The club will host the Champions Tour Nature Valley First Tee Open along with its neighbouring course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, next September.