About the NCGA
The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) has over 185,000 members belonging to over 1300 clubs. We administer USGA GHIN handicaps for our members, provide training and governance for the Rules of Golf, deliver hundreds of association events, and provide exclusive golf-related benefits and opportunities.
One of the most unique aspects of the NCGA is that we own two golf courses — Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach and Poppy Ridge in Livermore — offering member-only rates and hosting dozens of NCGA Championships.
The NCGA is one of the largest Allied Golf Associations and has one of the most diverse memberships in the nation. We are committed to fostering a game that is vibrant, inclusive, and accessible to all.
NCGA-owned golf courses
The NCGA owns two unique golf courses: Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach and Poppy Ridge in Livermore.
The Robert Trent Jones-designed Poppy Hills was the first course owned and operated by an amateur golf association in the U.S. It is both a PGA Tour and USGA Championship venue, and ‘Top 100’ in Golf Digest’s Greatest Public Courses.
Poppy Ridge is located amid the scenic Livermore Valley Wine Country — a unique Rees Jones 27-hole design with three nines: Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
Youth on Course
The Youth on Course initiative provides young people with affordable access to golf. Members can play courses in Northern California and all over the country for $5 or less, and gain life-changing job and college scholarship opportunities.
Created in 2006 by the NCGA Foundation as a regional initiative, Youth on Course is now nationwide and beyond, serving more than 130,000 members in all 50 U.S. states and parts of Canada. A Youth on Course membership includes an official USGA Handicap Index and full NCGA membership, and members additionally gain access to life-changing job and scholarship opportunities through career prep, leadership, and college scholarship programs.
The NCGA embraces diversity and celebrates inclusivity
We know where golf has historically been and we know where it must go — toward a future grounded in diversity, respect, and inclusion. We reject racism and injustice. The NCGA is committed to our vision of ensuring golf is accessible and welcoming to all ages and identities, and all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
We are proud of the diversity we see across our clubs. However, there is always more we can do to encourage inclusivity in the game we love. Though we don’t have all the answers today, we are diligently working on initiatives to help clubs and members find a welcoming golfing community.
NCGA Reach Grant Program
The NCGA has a grant program that strives to increase diversity and inclusion throughout the region. To date, five programs have received grants totaling nearly $100,000. If you are part of a program or know of one that could benefit from a one-time grant, take a moment to explore the application process.
NCGA Hall of Fame
Founded in 2011, the Hall of Fame preserves and honors the legacies of the people who significantly impacted golf in the region. The annual ceremony is hosted every September at the NCGA headquarters in Pebble Beach. Also recognized at the event is a Distinguished Service Award honoree, a recognition dating back to 1982.
NCGA Golf Magazine
Our award-winning magazine includes feature stories on travel, courses and interesting personalities, plus regular expert columns and insights on instruction and the Rules of golf.
Join the NCGA
Providing benefits and services to:
185,000+ Members
1,300+ Golf Clubs