36 Holes at the Renovated Poppy Ridge

I did an overnight trip to nearby Livermore CA to play back-to-back rounds on the recently renovated Poppy Ridge.

Coming down 18 at sunset

Jacob and I were familiar with the course: we both played in 2022 (when it was three distinct 9s) and Jacob played shortly after the re-opening earlier this year (but also right after top dressing).

The course is… incredible. Definitely in my top 10 public courses in the country.

Jacob tees off on back 9

Jacob and I played on Sunday, teeing off at 12:20 and barely making it before darkness at 5:10. We were the last two on the 18th green. This is my main complaint: the course is always busy and play seems to always be on the slow side.

The front nine is very welcoming, with a vast fairway on the opening par 5 giving you some comforting cushion as you start your round. The par 5 7th is the main challenge on this nine: a narrow par 5 with a barranca running the right side and a side slope with some trees and deep rough on the left.

One of the many spectacular views in the back 9

The back 9 ramps it up in terms of scenery and challenge. Nearly every hole offers some strategic options, some of them we found accidentally. Jacob only played with me on Saturday, and I met up with a new friend (via The Fried Egg) on Monday. In both rounds I pulled my 7 iron left on the intimidating par 3 14th; and in both cases my ball found the collecting bowl above and left of the green, draining it down to the lower tier of the green and leaving 20’ birdie putts.

Hole 16 will require more play to figure out: unleash and allow yourself to fall down into the green-side hole short and left of this turtle back green? Or layup short and right on the upper plateau, allowing for a fuller wedge approach with some spin to keep the ball on the green (and allowing for a slightly miss hit short shot).

The holes keep replaying in my head, a sure sign of quality and replayability. Hoping to return in February or March when the days are a bit longer again.