The recent renovation by Robert Trent Jones Jr. transformed Poppy Hills by widening the fairways, removing heavy rough, and allowing the ball to run out, much like a true links course. The design philosophy is now heavily focused on strategy and the ground game. The course flows beautifully through the towering Monterey Pines, giving you that quintessential coastal California feel. The routing is incredibly varied, featuring significant elevation changes that introduce blind shots and complex approach angles. The new sandy base ensures fast, firm conditions year-round.

Many golfers love the stretch of holes from the 10th to the 13th, where the course climbs to its highest points, offering glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and demanding smart course management through the tighter corridors. The signature 17th is a visually stunning par three that requires a confident carry over a deep ravine. It’s a genuine testament to the quality of the redesign that the course feels both challenging and incredibly natural, forcing you to think your way around rather than simply hit it hard.