Comments on: The AT&T Pro-Am to leave Poppy Hills http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/ Northern California Golf Association Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:01:33 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Cas http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-2/#comment-3026 Cas Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:16:27 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-3026 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. 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.

]]> By: Ant http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-2/#comment-2479 Ant Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:52:10 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2479 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 Plain And Simple. 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
Plain And Simple.

]]> By: Matt http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2460 Matt Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:27:57 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2460 I 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? The 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. I 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?
The 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.

]]> By: Tom http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2455 Tom Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:34:25 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2455 Steve 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.) Steve 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.)

]]> By: Fred http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2451 Fred Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:01:31 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2451 I 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. I 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.

]]> By: Steve W http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2448 Steve W Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:11:31 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2448 I 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. I 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.

]]> By: Paul W http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2444 Paul W Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:32:10 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2444 Clearly, 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! Clearly, 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!

]]> By: Bill Stark http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2442 Bill Stark Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:57:40 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2442 I 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. I 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.

]]> By: Jack O http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2440 Jack O Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:01:54 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2440 Time 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. Time 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.

]]> By: John http://www.ncga.org/2009/06/04/the-att-pro-am-to-leave-poppy-hills/comment-page-1/#comment-2399 John Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:58:56 +0000 http://www.ncga.org/?p=5165#comment-2399 Would 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. Would 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.

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