Renowned firm adds to its portfolio of high profile renovation work
Pebble Beach, Calif. (March 22, 2012) – The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), which owns and operates the Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, has announced that plans to renovate the course have proceeded through the Monterey County Permit Process.
All formal appeals processes – including that of the California Coastal Commission -also have been completed. Work on the project is to begin in early 2013.
According to Lyn Nelson, CEO of the NCGA, the impetus for the renovation was a recognized need to replace the golf course’s irrigation system. “We’re really trying to create a golf course that takes into account the water issues and irrigation constraints of the future,” Nelson said. We all need to manage golf courses in a greener fashion.”
Robert Trent Jones II (RTJ II), known for building environmentally responsible golf layouts throughout the world, designed the original layout at Poppy Hills in 1986 to use 100 percent recycled water. The renovation will cut water consumption by reducing the area of irrigated turf by 14.5 acres while simultaneously lengthening the golf course from 6,857 to more than 7,000 yards-a modern standard for championship layouts.
RTJ II is coming off several major renovation projects, including the two highly-ranked layouts at Princeville on the island of Kauai; The Wisley, in England; Hyatt Regency Coolum in Australia; Ponduk Indah in Indonesia; and Royal Calcutta Golf Club, in India. Chairman and Master Architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., says, “Older golf courses are much like historic buildings, which often require various levels of attention – whether to restore original charm and design features, or to adapt to a more modern world. We are thrilled to be returning to Poppy Hills to make the golf course even more efficient in its use of resources. We’ll also help develop an enhanced forest management program and help the course sit more naturally on the site. ”
The entire golf course will be sand-capped to improve drainage. New green and bunker complexes will be designed and constructed. RTJ II will significantly modify five holes and modestly modify the remaining 13 holes.
Nelson says that going forward, Poppy Hills will look to host national tournaments such as the USGA’s Amateur Public Links, or Men’s Mid Amateur.
“At Poppy Hills we pride ourselves on delivering an affordable, championship golf experience within the gates of Pebble Beach – to NCGA members and to the golfing public.”
Between 1991 and 2009 Poppy Hills was one of three courses used to host the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the PGA Tour, and also hosted the 1991 NCAA Men’s Division I Golf Championship.
The renovated Poppy Hills will re-open in 2014.
About Robert Trent Jones II
With headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) is the preeminent golf design firm worldwide, having created more than 270 courses in over 40 countries on six continents. Trustees of a great tradition of golf course architecture, RTJ II is committed to working in harmony with nature to craft the best golf course on each unique site. The RTJ II design team has experience in every aspect of golf course development and the ability to provide support and expertise from conception through completion of any project. For additional information contact the firm at +1 650-475-0329 or www.rtj2.com.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
908/876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
