Poppy Ridge Golf Course

Owned and operated by the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), this Rees Jones design plays through vineyard-lined terrain and is composed of three distinct nine-hole courses named for local wine varietals: Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay. With wide, links-inspired fairways, deep bunkering, and expansive views, Poppy Ridge offers a high-pedigree championship experience that remains open to the public on a daily-fee basis.

Course History

Poppy Ridge opened in 1996, a landmark moment for the Northern California Golf Association, which became the first allied golf association in the United States to own and operate two golf courses (joining Poppy Hills on the Monterey Peninsula). To create its second facility, the NCGA turned to Rees Jones, Golf Digest's 1995 Architect of the Year, to route 27 holes through the vineyards and hills of the Livermore Valley.

The course was an immediate success, hosting roughly 85,000 rounds in its first year of operation. Today it remains an NCGA-owned public facility that welcomes both association members and the general public.

The Design & Architecture

Rees Jones shaped Poppy Ridge into a layout reminiscent of the heathland courses of Scotland, using the natural contours of the Livermore Valley to frame each hole. The three nine-hole courses, named Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay for the region's wine heritage, can be combined into different 18-hole championship configurations. Broad fairways, strategic bunkering, and firm bent-grass greens rewarded thoughtful shot-making, while fescue-covered surrounds and native grasses give the course its distinctive links-inspired character.

Playing the Course

From the championship tees the course stretches to roughly 7,106 yards with a par of 72, carrying a course rating of 75.0 and a slope of 138 that reflect a genuine test for stronger players. Wind sweeping across the exposed hillsides, deep bunkers, and long fescue lining the fairways demand accuracy off the tee, while multiple tee options let golfers of all abilities find a suitable challenge. With three interchangeable nines, players can enjoy fresh combinations and sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards on every visit.

Know Before You Go

• Public, daily-fee course; tee times can be booked online, with discounted rates available to NCGA members.

• 27 holes across three nines (Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay) allow for varied 18-hole pairings.

• A practice driving range is available on site to warm up before a round.

• Located at 4280 Greenville Rd, Livermore, CA; the clubhouse offers dining and event space in the heart of Livermore Valley wine country.