Anyone play Poppy Hills?

[Phil-Mick#1]

I hear it's tough!

[billm408]

Planning a trip to Monterey? Poppy? Old Del Monte?

Poppy can be tough, but of the three AT&T; courses, by far the one that yielded the lowest scores. It's carved out of a the forest and each hole feels like you're on the course alone. RTJ Jr. did a nice job of routing it and it's a very walkable track. Looks more narrow than it is because the trees are all 50' tall. Big greens with lot's of undualtion although they've flattened them a bit from it's first version. One of the toughest starting holes I've played.

I'm guessing you've already looked at Spyglass, Spanish Bay & PB? Try Pacific Grove too. A little inland you've got Quail Lodge and Carmel Valley Ranch too. My favorites are the courses at Fort Ord. Bayonett and Black Horse are both outstanding. Bayonett being the jewel of the two.

Up the road a bit is Laguna Seca, Rancho Canada, Pajaro & Salinas Fairways too.

[Phil-Mick#1]

Yeah, Im playing Pebble and Spyglass, but was looking for a 3rd course to round out my trip...

Looking at Half Moon Bay too.

Jim

[Bobz007]

I played Poppy, Bayonet, and del Monte in a junior event 6 years ago and I liked them all. I would say Poppy was the most fun to play out of the three and was in very good shape. I liked the fact that is has 5 par 5's and 5 par 3's including back to back par 5's at 9 and 10, Makes for a very interesting round.

[Clambake]

If you decide to play Poppy, the insider tip is to join the NCGA (Northern California Golf Association) beforehand. Poppy's regular price is $200 weekdays, while NCGA members pay $55. NCGA also offers a discounted membership for those in associated clubs (like the southern Cal GA) making their membership even cheaper.

http://www.ncga.org/ncga-services/join/?from=hometop

[billm408]

Yeah, Im playing Pebble and Spyglass, but was looking for a 3rd course to round out my trip...

I'd add Poppy, Spanish Bay or Bayonett- either one is a great choice. I'd skip HMB. The old course is nice enough, the new links course is wa-a-ay over priced for what it is and it's 2 hours from Monterey.

Have you considered Pasatiempo?

[Fat Slice]

I like Poppy Hills that course fits snugly into the landscape - make sure to get the NCGA discount! Although it's not a marquee area course, I like Laguna Seca. There are a bunch of nice holes and it has a superb practice area.

[Ram]

Poppy is definitely worth playing if you're an NCGA member. Bayonet and Black Horse are also worthwhile. Rancho Canada is a nice little track, and the last time I was there, comparatively inexpensive. If you're ever in the Santa Cruz area, DeLaveaga GC is worth checking out as well.

[apex53]

I have played Poppy Hills, enjoyed it very much, not as much as Spyglass or Pebble but good course... Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz is worth it, Dr. Alister Mackenzie design

[lollavid]

In the past month I've played both Spanish Bay (amazing!) and a course in Aptos just S. of Santa Cruz called Seascape. I was impressed with the condition of the latter...
As for Poppy Hills... maybe next month?