The AT&T Pro-Am to leave Poppy Hills
After 19 years, Poppy Hills will be replaced by The Shore Course at MPCC as one of the venues for the AT&T National Pro-Am in 2010.
The NCGA member-owned course is currently under contract to be a host site for the Pro-Am through 2011. “We’re disappointed and we don’t really understand it, because we have a contract and believed the current contract would be honored,” NCGA president Michael Hexner said. “If there are issues with Poppy Hills, why didn’t they mention it in December? Why didn’t they mention it two or three years ago?”
Deserving youth at an NCGA Foundation clinic
The Association has enjoyed a prosperous relationship with the PGA Tour event, watching funds generated for charity increase every year since Poppy’s involvement began 19 years ago.
The pro-am was a worthy stage to showcase the mix of one of the most renowned courses in the world in Pebble Beach with Poppy Hills, a course which allows NCGA Youth on Course and First Tee kids to play a round of golf for only $2. Poppy Hills represents publicly accessible golf and moving the charitable event from the home of the “everyday” golfer to an exclusive country club sends the wrong message. Monterey Peninsula Foundation president Ollie Nutt, whose group runs the tournament, is a member at the country club.
“The venue change is very disappointing to us as I am sure it is to our 165,000 members who celebrate the chance to play the same course some of the greatest players in the world play,” remarked NCGA CEO Lyn Nelson. “We strongly believe that public courses like Poppy Hills, as are U.S. Open sites Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black, are worthy championship venues and should be supported by the PGA Tour, tournament chairs and sponsors.”
Poppy Hills was opened for play in 1986 to become the first golf course owned and operated by a regional golf association; 10 years later the NCGA opened Poppy Ridge in Livermore. The courses were built to provide championship quality golf at affordable rates for NCGA members. Poppy Hills was recognized by GolfWorld in 2008 with one of its “Reader’s Choice” awards; the course was ranked 41st in the country.
“We’re the only course (in the tournament) people can play for $55. We’re the Harding Park or Bethpage Black of these venues. We’re kind of stunned they would walk away from the course that provides so much for golf,” said Hexner.
Founded in 1901, the NCGA is the largest regional golf association in the country, with more than 165,000 individuals. Among other services, the non-profit NCGA operates a Foundation to support deserving youth.
The award-winning NCGA Foundation has made a national name for itself through its Youth on Course Program. The charitable arm of the NCGA subsidizes rounds of golf and buckets of range balls for deserving youth in the region allowing junior golfers to play for only $2 a round. The Foundation subsidized 30,000 rounds and 30,000 buckets of balls in 2008 and that number may triple this year alone.
What a shame for the charitable PGA Tour event to leave Poppy Hills. The NCGA and Poppy Hills are what is good about golf. Where else in the country can a kid play a tour course for $2? I hope the NCGA Foundation is one of the charities who will benefit from the AT&T moving forward.
June 4th, 2009 at 9:21 amYou can thank Tiger for this one. His new sponsor is ATT and they want him in the tournament, so he basically orchestrated poppy out of the rotation. He does not like the course, greens, or slow play (5 par 5’s).
June 4th, 2009 at 10:50 amYou’d think they would want to support an affordable public course. The Tour almost never visits such places. I love watching how Davis Love or Vijay Singh approaches Poppy – I feel like it’s my course and it has always been the most enjoyable part of the AT&T to see that. I’ve only played Pebble once so I can’t relate to that – but I know Poppy. This is really bad news.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:34 amThis makes me very sad. Poppy Hills is a very competitive course and is set up for a challenging round for the professionals. I took pride in playing a course that was a tour stop and was reasonably priced at the same time. The NCGA is a great resource for Northern California golfers and having a member-course be a part of the professional golf circuit was like no other state golf association.
June 4th, 2009 at 11:36 amThis sucks. I can see replacing it with Cypress Point. Which Tiger said that he definately would come back for that. But the Monterey CC? I think the event will make it even less popular. I dont believe Tiger will be back for that course either.
June 4th, 2009 at 3:50 pmWhat, muni track too hard for the big boys?
June 4th, 2009 at 4:55 pmIf the PGA Tour believes that switching venues if going to attract better players they are SADLY mistaken. The two things that would help the AT&T attract better players would be 1) a date change and 2) no longer amateurs.
I have not attended the AT&T for many years because of it’s ticket price (I’d rather use my money towards green fee’s at Poppy). The last time I was there I followed Mike Weir around Poppy and he shot something like a 66. My other favorite moment was following Phil Mickelson in the 1991 NCAA Tournament with about 3 other people. I’ll always have the memories.
June 4th, 2009 at 8:18 pmEnough of the hating on the PGA Tour. They aren’t required to play public tracks. Poppy has always been tricked out and with 5 par 5s in a pro am it takes 3 weeks to play a round. Besides have any of you SEEN MPCC SHORE course since the late genious Mike Stranz redid it??? It’s arguably the best course there. It’s ON THE OCEAN remember that. The PGA TOUR is an entertainment entity. You have to love the pictures of that course they can send across the snow covered US when the ATT is played out here. HUGE increase for the ATT. the courses they play matter. MPCC Shore is a MASSIVE upgrade from Poppy, SORRY.
June 5th, 2009 at 8:32 ambesides has anyone played the 3rd, 7th, 8th, 12th, or 14th holes at Poppy?? I don’t mean to hate on Poppy Hills, but seriously MPCC Shore, are you kidding me?? that’s trying to convince someone that DeLaveaga is better than Pasatiempo, miles away, WORLDS APART.
June 5th, 2009 at 8:34 amJosh – Thank you for your post. We appreciate that many golf fans might be excited to see the Shore Course used, but to only compare the quality of the courses misses the larger point. By utilizing Poppy Hills, the tournament was more readily able to appeal to the thousands of NCGA members who have played there over the years. Something is lost when a PGA Tour event only takes place on premium resorts or private clubs, and that is a larger connection with the public golfer.
June 5th, 2009 at 8:55 amJosh, I too like the fact I am playing a course the pros play. When I hit my 3 wood to within 10 feet on #10, just like I saw Tiger do days before, I felt a connection. I have played Poppy Hills many times so, yes, I have played those holes.You did not say if you liked them or didn’t like them. I assume from your posts you don’t like them. I had a career fairay bunker shot to 2 feet on hole # 3 so it is one of my favorite holes.
June 5th, 2009 at 9:22 amI am not sure why those holes bother you, there are similar holes at Spyglass. Maybe you don’t like that course either. The Pro-am takes a long time at all 3 courses, not just Poppy Hills.
I am a 7.5 and if you would invite me I would be happy to play MPCC and give you my opinion. Oh wait, another course the average golfer can’t play. I guess if the rift clears maybe NCGA would do a “member outing” there. Although I am not holding my breath.
You do realize that the Shore Course has five par fives as well, right? Pace of play was not the issue, the Shore course will play slower with its combination of reachable par 5’s followed by difficult par 3’s.
June 5th, 2009 at 11:23 amDave there are a lot of holes at Spyglass that personally are only “Good” because they are at Spyglass. I’m not a member at MPCC although if I were, you would get an invite. I’m a public course guy. Delaveaga is home. I understand the notion of a connection to where the pros have recently played. There are 5 par 5s at the Shore and I’d prefer to wait next to the ocean, the greens are much fairer, and quite frankly it’s NEW. I’m a big fan of moving tournaments around, Augusta notwithstanding, although that course is different every year.
June 5th, 2009 at 12:55 pmScott I couldn’t agree more with you about connecting with the public golfer; however, at the same time, seeing the best players in the world tackle new challenges is equally entertaining. Besides that line of thinking has the Traveler’s Championship being played at the local muni. I’d prefer to see the best players in the world play the best courses in the world.
My post was not meant to anger anyone, rather, unfortunately, I frankly don’t see a comparison. it’s no secret that Poppy has been the “weakest”/”least favorite” member of the rotation and I’m not talking about scoring avg. this is TV, it’s the same reason Lebron and Kobe can travel, etc.
I guess I can understand your argument Josh, but still disappointed nonetheless.
June 5th, 2009 at 4:03 pmIts pretty special to see tour guys play a course that you’ve played several times.
I wonder how much airtime MPCC will actually get because in the past they never show Poppy Hills OR Spyglass, maybe a few highlights and that’s it.
Ive actually heard that MPCC wasn’t doing very well in this economy, but I guess they got a bailout from the tour. I wonder how much money the NCGA be losing without this event…
I’m shocked the PGA Tour didn’t communicate their concerns over the years before pulling the plug. Its to bad as I considered Poppy a godd compliment to Pebble and Spyglass. I suggest the NCGA try to get a Nationwide Tournament.
June 5th, 2009 at 6:37 pmWhat a dissapointment…Poppy Hils was a great reflection of what the Pro-Am stands for…a mix of fun, community, charity and competition. As nice as the Shore course is, it will break this bond to golf in northern california.
Stefan
June 6th, 2009 at 6:05 amI am impressed with the comments on this post. No hard feelings, just individual opinions and well thought out responses. Other sites become a forum for hateful comments and bad language. Not to mention poor typing. Thumbs up to all of you for your comments. Jeff, Josh, Dave, and Chad…. Nice work.
June 6th, 2009 at 6:15 amThey rarely show much of Spyglass nor Poppy on TV so don’t see how that move makes for more entertainment. I agree with Tom that a date change would have the biggest impact. Cold, rainy, soggy, and miserable February is a terrible time of year to hold a golf tournament in the Monterey Bay area. Check a 100 year weather almanac! September = new TV shows coming out etc. What a better time to highlight a bunch of TV celebs running around in the California sun playing golf.
June 6th, 2009 at 8:14 amThis is a big let down for many NCGA members. I have been a volunteer for many years at the ATT and I will continue to do so, but Poppy always gave the tournament something of the ‘every golfer’ touch in that me a poor municipal NCGA member could play at a pro course.
It seems kind of strange that while the PGA is trying to encourage the sport and the popularity of the tour that yet another tournament is moved to a private, exclusive, and expensive course. Seems counter productive to me.
If the problem is the long game times make the ATT confirm the handicaps of some of the amateurs – I have seen many supposed 17 or better handicaps playing in the amateur ranks that are probably more realistically in the 30s. Ego can get in the way of a fast round – even though you may be paying thousands to charity
June 6th, 2009 at 1:36 pmThe Northern California Golf Association has been badly served by the A.T.& T. Foundation and its officers.
Secret feelers and negotiations between the Foundation and MPCC, without one word to the NCGA after an eighteen year partnership is reprehensible.
The Shore Course, though beautiful, will have slower rounds than at Poppy and the congestion at the fifth tee will result in a nightmare.
The contract with MPCC is for one year, if not renewed will the Foundation then go cap in hand to the NCGA? I think not. It will then have to depend on Bayonet and the event and charity will suffer.
A bad move to mollify Tiger Wood’s relationship to his sponsor.
RCH
June 6th, 2009 at 6:56 pmIt is very discouraging to have the AT&T drop Poppy Hills. It is one of the best challenging courses to play in Pebble Beach. Especially when one can play it days before the tournament. Being an NCGA member, I play PH as often as I can and never get bored with the course. The tournament would really benefit if it was later in the year. March would be ideal, and PH plays great when it is dryer, so change the date and put PH back in rotation. That’s my vote.
June 6th, 2009 at 8:03 pmPoppy Hills is not PGA Tour Player friendly…You have 8 holes that have blind greens…(You can see the flag, but you can’t see the putting surface)…
You have 12 doglegs on this course…It was to keep the driver out of the hands of the 300 yard tee shot…(Robert Trent Jones Jr. words)
Lastly, Pro-Ams are a nightmare to play in…The tour players put on a good face, but down deep they are not happy…So, with this and the fact that Poppy Hills is not their favorite course you can see the issue here…
I would like to see the Pro-Am end and have four rounds at Spyglass Hill behind the Blue NCGA markers…
June 7th, 2009 at 9:49 pmDissapointing move by the foundation to move this event to mpcc.The reason they give is that the scores are too low but I beleive it is the opposite.They have taken a valuable link to the backbone of this sport away by moving this event from a beautiful public course that I am proud to call our home. I think that tiger has influenced this move and there still will be 5-6 hour rounds as the amateurs handicaps seem incorrect and will continue to struggle regardless of the venue.Also move this event to the fall when the weather is ideal.
June 7th, 2009 at 9:56 pmSad news, I just qualified to play in the pairs and 4 man NCGA finals this year and was stoked. Playing Poppy Hills & Spyglass knowing that the pro’s had the same challenges as you adds to the excitement of being their. I fear that without that Pro-Am association, Poppy Hills may lose much of that appeal to the weekend amateur golfer. The long term ramifications may be very damaging to the home of the NCGA.
June 8th, 2009 at 8:24 amDon’t discount that PH plays consistantly harder than PB and SH at the ATT. Pro’s don’t like to be embarrassed on hard courses. Wonder why they don’t play PGA at Bayonet/Blackhorse? Look at 2003 Monterey results for Nationwide and see. I don’t buy the “ocean” view on MPCC. They hardly televise non-Pebble rounds, so you’re playing for the in-person crowd. And it semms the in-person patron would rather watch a PGA guy kick around a 73 at a course THEY can play, than a 68 on a course with a locked public gate.
June 8th, 2009 at 9:56 amHere is my two cents…
Tiger has not been attending this event I hear because of the inclement weather. His sponsor obviously needs him to attend, and I imagine asked him what it will take to get him there. Doubt that the event could be moved to summer because of the logistics around the West Coast swing. It would seem obvious that an alternative venue would ensure Tiger’s presence (along with other marquee names, further enhancing the A-list caliber of the event).
Nothing wrong with Poppy in my opinion – I love the course. But I believe that there are prettier, more aesthetically appropriate courses in the area that are made for TV. MPCC Shore is one. (Cypress is another, but we all know why the tour has a policy against it). And I’ve played them both.
My guess is that this is purely a business decision. AT&T doesn’t care if we the public can make a connection to a golf shot, or if they maintain (or lose) the connection with the common man. They want to sell TV coverage. They want to sell tickets.
Ironically, even though the tour looses connection with the municipality of the game, it ensures public viewership with Tiger standing on the tee box.
PS – Question is – will Tiger show in 2011 (he’s obviously attending in 2010 with Pebble hosting the US Open). If not, I’m full of it!
June 8th, 2009 at 10:12 amSad to see that there will be no Poppy Hills in the rotation, but in the years the Pros have provided good feedback on changes to improve the course. Just played it yesterday, the course conditions are perfect. The greens were just rolled, fairway cut nice. As for Tiger, he will not be playing in this event, due to the nature of the ProAm and speed of greens prior to The Masters. He said that, way back before his last appearance. We will just have to wait next year to see him at not Poppy but at Pebble for the US Open.
June 8th, 2009 at 10:50 amDS you made my points WAY MORE ELOQUENTLY than i could. Thank you.
June 8th, 2009 at 11:21 amBeing able to see the pros play at Poppy Hills, a course I have played many times since 1986 was the main reason I attended the tournament. It was nice to compare how they played the course to how I play it. In fact, in all the times I attended the Pro-Am I never watched it at Pebble or Spyglass, only at Poppy Hills.
I have not played the other courses in the rotation, and I will probably not be attending as often because it just won’t be as fun for me.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pmIf Poppy Hills was to maintain the same smooth firms greens that Spy Glass does the change might not of taken place. Something to consider in the future.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:22 pmCarl,
obliviously you favor spyglass more because you like the greens. The PGA would not just changed venue sites because of one the courses have soft greens or bumpy greens or whatever. I would hope that each course would have the greens set differently to give these tour players a challenge. I know that I do not play on the flattest set of greens when I tee off at 10am and there have been 40+ groups ahead of me walking all over them. From what I have read, the main concern was the 5+ hour round times. Poppy will be missed in the tournament but I guess you got to make your money and that’s what the tournament felt it needed to do to make some more cash.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:11 pmTo all of you who LOVE Poppy cuz you can see the pros play where you do, do you support and feel the same way about Bayoney, Coyote Creek Tournament, Wente Vineyards, TPC SFBAY, etc where they play or played Senior or Nationwide Tour events??
PS Carl, TIGER has said the greens are the reason he doesn’t play much on the WEST COAST. Poa annua is a tough grass to get smooth.
June 8th, 2009 at 2:36 pmPoppy would have lasted and Tiger would still be playing regularly if the Tournament Directors mandated that the Amateurs pick-up when they can no longer help the team. Most of the young pros as well as some veterans are too nice or too shy to ask their partner’s to pick up, remember these people are the leaders of industry and may even intimidate a Tour Pro. We’ve all seen how much the Amateurs struggle especially in the trees at PH.
The “Foot Prints” left in the spongy poanna greens equalizes the putting skills of the pros at Poppy Hills, note the Tour regulars refer to Poppy as “Sloppy Poppy” or “Sloppy Hills”. PH is the year in and year out the wettest course on Tour, and this truth is hardly debatable. Poppy becomes a lottery style round for the pros. Tiger is giving up a distinct advantage (putting) to the field. Remember the cup is roughly in the same place for three consecutive days, during the wet season; something that does not happen otherwise during the year.
Also why the biggest field of the year? Is this only necessary to fill the Amateur positions? There are about 16 extra pros invited to Pebble then any other Standard Time Event, even the two courses at Torrey.
I would imagine with Tiger in the field, even for one year the tournament will generate more money for charity and that, seems to be a good thing for all.
June 8th, 2009 at 2:37 pmI read all the feedback and I never saw a mention of the fact that MPCC was the original host course of the Crosby and the Clambake. The shore course offers a scenic and testy layout that I think everyone will enjoy! Stop whining and give the shore course a look. I think golfer’s and spectators will like what they see! The ATT foundation people didn’t make this change hastily, they knew that the tournament needed a fresh look and I think they have done just that! Frank Pieper
June 8th, 2009 at 3:19 pmYoung Frank Pieper is very correct…
I walked with Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus (no gallery ropes) in 1966 on the Shore Course it was my first time on that course and my first time seeing the best golfers in the world…
I have not played the “new” shore course yet, however, what I know about the design and about a high profile course designer who was in on the project but was not chosen, took a tour of the course after it was done, said “he could not do that good of a job”…
This should be a very special treat to the PGA Tour and the gallery next year…
June 8th, 2009 at 7:00 pmpoppy was a great venue but not for the lay out of the course but the convergence of 18 green 1 tee 9 green and the clubhouse that was the predominent place to congregate which left the rest of the course open to roam. even when tiger did play this event you could ride the ropes all the way around the course and not stand five to ten deep trying to get a peek. but other than a great party atmosphere around the putting green i don’t see poppy being missed to much. unfortunatly poppy will forever be the red headed step child of the pebble beach forrest and for all you out there saying the condition of the course had nothing to do with this decision you must have played poppy the one day out of the year the course was somewhat firm because in my 20 years of playing poppy i have never once gone into around expecting anything other than what is out there everyday soft bumpy conditions. i know its hard to beleive but i do like poppy and have always defended its play ability but to compare it to pebble spyglass or the shore course it just isn’t in the same league.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:34 amI am sorry to hear that Poppy Hill will not be part of the ATT Pro Am, but this doesn’t take anything away from the greatness of Poppy Hills. Where in the United States can you play a course that has the quality of Poppy Hills for under $60? I like playing courses that have five par 5 and five par 3 I think it makes for a more interesting round of golf.
From the 17 Mile Drive the MPCC Shores course looks great, but for most of use the possibility of playing this course is remote. I believe this will take something away from the ATT Pro Am.
I am glad to see that the USGA is playing the US Open at more public courses. Great move USGA!
June 9th, 2009 at 11:58 amwhy does everyone have to play the courses on tour?? Trust me, you’re not playing the same golf course, and most are CERTAINLY NOT from the same tees. Besides, you CAN play Pebble, Spyglass, Bayonet, Wente, and Coyote Creek Tournament. ALL have held major professional tournaments. To further the public access argument, I think it’s ONLY $7500 and you can PLAY in the ATT Pro AM. the ATT will be better than ever playing better courses. Better courses get the top ranked pros to play, PERIOD.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:48 pmDS: Tiger does not like 6 hour rounds- that is why he does not play- I don’t blame him- Poppy Hills is not Quality for tour players
June 9th, 2009 at 6:56 pmI love the Crosby, but feel you are playing favorites by changing the format for one player (Tiger Woods). I agree, he is a great golfer, but changing the format for him does not a dishonor to all the other golfers.
Do you now plan to change the name “To Tiger Woods AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am”?
June 11th, 2009 at 12:11 pmIt is a shame to take a public course out of the rotation, but maybe it is a wake up call to improve the greens and try to get a nationwide event there.
June 11th, 2009 at 12:29 pmKen, I agree with you, however I think the name should be ” The PGA TOUR Featuring Tiger Woods”.
June 11th, 2009 at 2:55 pmWould the NCGA consider holding 4 days of tournaments on Poppy Hills on the same weekend as the AT&T with the proceeds going to the local charities? 4 days of shotguns for NCGA members – entry fees include tickets to the AT&T @ Pebble, Spyglass & MPCC. Poppy takes its share to cover costs and the balance goes to charities and/or NCGA foundation. Tournament players would get one round of tournament golf at Poppy Hills + 2 tickets to the AT&T + a souvenir (special shirt, windshirt, etc). For example, 4 shotgun tournaments with a total of 288 players (72 each day – each player only plays 1 day). 72 x $175 entry = $12,600. Each player gets 1 tournament round at Poppy with cart, 2 tickets to the AT&T, 1 souvenir (with special AT&T Weekend Charity Tournament logo) with the balance going to the charities. Depending on the format the winners of each day’s tournament get a special prize (tickets to the 2010 US Open at Pebble?). Rather than dwelling on the good or bad merits of the move from PH to MPCC maybe something good could come of this with a very special event at PH that weekend that will add to the charitable donations. Would AT&T get involved and donate a bag (like Tiger’s) as the tee prize? Just a thought.
June 11th, 2009 at 5:58 pmTime out to say thanks to all the dedicated staff and volunteers who have been at PH for years and have given their all to make the experience of the AT&T the best it could be for the Pro’s, amatures and spectators. Changes to the facility and course fot tournament play have benifited all NCGA members as well as visiters to the Monterey Bay area. Thanks from a grateful volunteer who has been proud to serve the tournament and work with a dedicated staff of professionals at Poppy.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:01 amI welcome this with mixed emotion. Poppy Hills has been a great course to watch the PGA event. The staff at Poppy is 2nd to none! Weather I have played the course or watched the AT&T, the service has been great. Thanks to all at Poppy for a lot of good memories with the tournament. Now it’s time for the new venue and we will see what kind of memories that brings. I love the AT&T and as long as it remains in Montery, I will continue to attend.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:57 pmClearly, there are alot of interests considered which led to this decision and must have been a difficult one for Ollie Nutt and the Foundation. John, two posts above, is thinking about why the Tournament is run: for local Charities. In this economy, most charitable beneficiaries are hurting. Regardless of why this change came about, one can’t argue with the fact that Tiger Woods playing will sell more tickets and garner more Corporate sponsorships for the Tournament. Ultimately, this will benefit the local Charities of the Monterey Peninsula. This is what it is all about!
June 17th, 2009 at 7:32 amI have played Pebble and Spyglass many times, and I fervently believe that Poppy is the best of the three. Holes 9 through 12 on Poppy are the best stretch of four holes in golf in Northern California. I get all that stuff about the wet greens and all, but the ATT&T gets washed out about 10 to 20% of the time. Check the weather records over the last 10 years. I am more inclined to believe the insider Tiger stuff. He simply doesn’t like the course and has never scored well on it. And to that guy that said comparing Poppy to Pebble and Spyglass is like comparing Lelaveaga to Pasatiempo, I choose Delaveaga. With efforts to improve course conditioning over the past few years, that place has quickly jumped into my top 5. By the way, I live in southern California, where it’s hard to find a truly great public golf course you can play on for less than $200 per round.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:11 pmI think Paul W. has it right. When you look at the fantastic work of the Foundation and money given to charity, you have to be a pretty hard case not to be supportive of their efforts. Whether it’s higher-profile Pros, TV coverage/viewers, or an increase in spectators coming down to watch great golf along 17 mile drive I suspect this change will be a win. If it’s not, by all means return to Poppy — it’s a terrific course. Personally, I want to see the Pros let loose with monster drives on the wide-open Shore course and drive the green on the 5th (a great risk-reward hole); and when I look around, see whales breaching and waves crashing on the coast. Change can be good and hopefully it will bring more money for charity in these hard times.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:01 pmSteve W..”Holes 9 through 12 on Poppy are the best stretch of four holes in golf in Northern California.”
I love Poppy Hills as much as anybody, but that stretch doesn’t come close to Pebble’s 7-10 which may be the best 4 hole stretch in the world. (Augusta 12-15 only comes to mind as being better.)
June 18th, 2009 at 10:34 amI don’t buy the Tiger argument at all. With the US Open at Pebble next year he was likely going to play anyway. The question is will he play in 2011 and beyond? If the change to MPCC was supposed to make that happen, why only a one year contract?
June 20th, 2009 at 6:27 pmThe article also mentioned there was a contract to play at Poppy through 2011. If that’s the case, a simple injunction would stop the venue change. I suspect there was an out in the contract. Otherwise the NCGA would have an easy way to stop the move. And if there was an out, I don’t think it’s fair to say “we had a contract” in the article.
All in all, I don’t mind the move. I understand the course likes to have the tour because it increases demand. But for those who simply enjoy the course, the decrease in demand without the tour will be a plus. Easier to get tee times, more discounts, etc.
Ok so here is what i think is going to happen. MPCC will get their 40 new members on their waiting list because of the exposure of the AT&T being at their course. They will then say OK thank you very much and please get off our private course, we will call you back when we need more members to join. The foundation will probally move the event to Blackhorse or Bayonet then figure out that that wont work. So lets say 2-3 years it will be back at Poppy Hills
June 24th, 2009 at 2:52 pmPlain And Simple.
What a shame. I know all the people associated with Poppy Hills take great pride in seeing the course as part of the AT&T rotation. I’ve only played Poppy Hills twice, but each time I thought about playing on the same course as the pros. Poppy Hills may be the only course I may be able to say that about.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:16 pm