Poppy Hills: The Red-headed Stepchild of Pebble Beach?

[JSPayne]

Just curious why this course never receives much attention. I can't say I'm a big fan of the architect in general, but I worked at the course, have played there on many occasions, and never have not enjoyed myself. There are days when I've found it extremely difficult to play and others where every good shot I made I was rewarded.

And I do believe it's near fact that if the wind isn't blowing at Pebble Beach during the AT&T, Poppy Hills often yeilds the highest scores from the pros.

From an architectural standpoint, is it really that bad? Or is it just not that good to warrant extensive praise or commentary?

[Adam Clayman]

Js. I believe it's the latter of your reasoning. Plus the prox of some great neighbors. One of the other justifiable reasons is turf related. The clayey soil does not allow for creative use of the ground.  Another issue some players may have is that the course punishes aggressive play. One aspect that could improve the perception is repairing the lack of ocean views. Some key pruning would open up the feeling and views. Hell it may even help dry out the place improving the turf quality and enjoyment.

[Joel_Stewart]

Whats the latest with Poppy.  I'm told the NCGA sent out a RFP for an extensive renovation some time ago but haven't heard anything since?  I know a number of architects responded.

[JSPayne]

The turf related issue I can mostly agree with. The course is nearly 100% Poa on all playing surfaces and very tempermental. When I was there we lost power and consequently had no water for just over 2 days (we didn't get a generator because we were told the power would be back on sooner than it actually was) and I remember standing on the 16th green, hose in hand, waiting for the pumps to kick in because the turf was BAKING. I don't like keeping a course on the moist side, but that site with that grass almost seems to need it. Still......no excuse. I would love to see more of a ground game there.

But as for punishing aggressive play, I'm not sure I agree. Can you give me some examples? Even shot I can think of that requires some agressive risk seems to me to come with equal reward.

[Jed Peters]

Mr. Payne: I'll still get with you on DelPaso...soon. Just had a kid on friday, so I'd like to do it in about 3 weeks after their invitational.

Regarding Poppy--I'll just say this--in about 25 rounds I've NEVER played it when the greens haven't sucked. Also, I'll say this, the design of the course isn't all that good to start with.

[Tim Leahy]

I played the course last week and No. 2 green is being rebuilt right now. Will be sodded and ready for the AT&T.

Jed, congrats on the new baby. I am still interested in joining you for the Del Paso round, let me know when you set it up.

[JSPayne]

Jed,

Can you describe "sucked"? Like I said, when I've played it, mostly in the late spring and summer, I've never had a problem with them. I know they have nematode issues like many on the pennisula do, but I haven't been there lately.....maybe they've gotten horribly worse?

I guess since this is an architectural discussion site, I'm curious if anyone can draw out for me any architectural flaws they have serious problems with.

[David Stamm]

I guess since this is an architectural discussion site, I'm curious if anyone can draw out for me any architectural flaws they have serious problems with.

I haven't played from it, but the new tournament tee on 4 looks really odd to me when I walked by it this past spring. I actually think Poppy is a fun course, it just suffers from some very stiif competition surrounding it. It's not a great course by any means. One thing that struck me is how '80's' the course looks now. It's very 'period', if that makes any sense. In other words, I'm not sure it has aged well.