About
NCGA
Founded in 1901, the NCGA is the largest regional golf association in the country, with more than 160,000 individuals who belong to nearly 1,200 members clubs throughout Northern California and into Nevada. Among other services, the NCGA provides official handicap indexes, owns and operates two golf courses, Poppy Hills and Poppy Ridge, conducts more than 50 championships annually, publishes NCGA Golf magazine and operates a Foundation to support deserving youth.
NCGA Foundation
Founded in 1989, the NCGA Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit IRS 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides deserving youth the opportunity to develop life skills and values through golf. The Foundation will continue to increase the availability and affordability of youth golf through its flagship initiative, Youth on Course. A recently adopted five-year strategic plan has introduced new programs such scholarships, youth employment and mentoring opportunities. For more information visit www.ncgafoundation.org
Poppy Hills
Poppy Hills is a challenging course that weaves through the Del Monte Forest. The venue has played host to many prominent tournaments including the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design opened in 1986 and is the home course for the NCGA. It was the first course in the United States to be owned and operated by an amateur golf association. The par-72 layout measures 6,857 yards from the black tees with a rating of 74.3/144.
Poppy Hills was selected 41st on the list of the top 50 public courses in GolfWorld’s first “Readers’ Choice Awards. A 2007 Zagat Survey ranked Poppy Hills the 12th “Most Popular Course” in the U.S, and the layout was named “National Course of the Year” in 2006 by the National Golf Course Owners Association. The golf shop was named as one of the “Top 100 Golf Shops” Golf World Business magazine four times. Poppy Hills also includes a picturesque grass driving range, practice putting, chipping, bunker facilities and a video swing analysis system. The course welcomes public play and it is recommended for visitors to join the NCGA to receive nearly a 75% discount off the public green fee. For more information, visit www.poppyhillsgolf.com
Poppy Hills Images (click for full resolution):
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Poppy Ridge
Located in the heart of the Livermore Valley Wine Country, the 27-hole Rees Jones design is reminiscent of the heathland courses of Scotland. Poppy Ridge Golf Course opened in 1996 and is easily accessible to approximately 90,000 of the more than 160,000 NCGA members who live within a 65-mile radius of the course. Poppy Ridge was rated by Zagat Guide as one of the top 15 courses in the nation for value. The course welcomes public play and it is recommended for visitors to join the NCGA to receive nearly a 55% discount off the $100 public green fee. Panoramic views of rolling hills, four sets of tees, excellent course conditions, 27 championship holes, friendly staff, indoor and outdoor restaurant facilities and affordable prices make this a true value in Northern California.
The Merlot, Chardonnay and Zinfandel nines offer challenging and enjoyable golf for any level of player. Each nine measures about 3,500 to 3,600 yards from the black tees. Carved in the rugged terrain of the Livermore foothills, each hole is shaped by extensive bunkering, giving the course a true links feel. For more information, visit www.poppyridgegolf.com.
Poppy Ridge Images (click for full resolution):
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For additional NCGA images, contact Hilary Heieck.
Radio
NCGA President Michael Hexner – Hooked on Golf – February 2009
NCGA Director of Communications & Marketing Hilary Heieck – Murph & Mac Show – February 2009
Video
George Lopez talks about the Youth on Course Program
Roger Maltbie talks about the Youth on Course Program
Newspapers and Magazines
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Foundation Announces Porter Scholarship Winners The Monterey Herald July 7, 2010 |
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Foundation Honored for Work With Underserved Youth The Monterey Herald April 28, 2010 |
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NCGA Introductory Membership, Foundation Flourishes The Monterey Herald March 31, 2010 |
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“Youths Get on Course, Heeding Calls for Players” The Modesto Bee March 25, 2009 |
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“18 Holes For 2 Bucks” Golf Digest March 2009 |
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“Nelson Named CEO of NCGA” Monterey County Herald November 26, 2008 |
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“Foundation at Stanford” Monterey County Herald November 10, 2008 |
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“Improving Poppy Hills” Monterey County Herald September 17, 2008 |
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“NCGA Juniors Shine” Monterey County Herald September 17, 2008 |
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“NCGA Opens Doors For Local Youth” Monterey County Herald July 30, 2008 |
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“NCGA Women’s Amateur Championship” Monterey County Herald July 9, 2008 |
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“Prolo Runs Away with Pub Links by Six Shots” Monterey County Herald July 2, 2008 |
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“Poppy Hills’ Alexander Nominated for Honor” Monterey County Herald April 2, 2008 |
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“Getting the Right Spin on Your Golf Game” Monterey County Herald April 2, 2008 |
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“The Field’s Coming Together for AT&T” Monterey County Herald February 7, 2008 |
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“Last-minute Tweaks For AT&T” Monterey County Herald February 4, 2008 |
