Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Championship Golf Course & Instruction in San Mateo, CA
Poplar Creek Golf Course has been a cornerstone of the San Mateo community since its establishment in 1933. Originally built during the Great Depression to provide employment, the course underwent a complete renovation in 1999 and reopened in 2000 with a redesigned layout and new name, reflecting its iconic poplar trees and creek. As a championship 18-hole course, we host prestigious events like the Robert O'Brien Junior Championship and San Mateo County Championship, attracting players of all skill levels. Our facility averages over 75,000 rounds annually, making us one of Northern California's most popular golf destinations. Led by Head Golf Professional Dana Banke and Superintendent Tim Powers, our team prioritizes exceptional course maintenance, personalized instruction, and community engagement.We offer tailored golf lessons for individuals and groups, emphasizing technical improvement and enjoyment through a student-centered approach. Our commitment to accessibility is evident in programs like Get Golf Ready, which introduces newcomers to the sport in a welcoming environment. Despite temporary closures of our restaurant and banquet facilities due to water damage, we remain dedicated to providing top-tier golf experiences, including driving range access and VIP membership benefits. With a focus on sustainability through projects like irrigation well upgrades, we ensure long-term viability while maintaining the course's historic charm. Our staff's expertise, combined with a family-friendly atmosphere, makes Poplar Creek a trusted destination for both casual play and competitive tournaments.
Services
Golf Course
Lessons
Tournaments
Driving Range
VIP Membership
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized golf instruction from PGA-certified professionals with decades of combined experience.
- Our championship course design balances historic charm with modern playability for all skill levels.
- We provide affordable access through twilight rates and beginner-friendly Get Golf Ready programs.
- Our team maintains consistent course quality through sustainable irrigation practices and regular upgrades.
- We host family-friendly tournaments and community events to foster local golf engagement.
Services
Golf Course
Poplar Creek Golf Course features an 18-hole championship layout designed by Steve Halsey. The course combines historic elements with modern playability, offering a slope rating of 115 and a course rating of 70.2. Regularly maintained for optimal conditions, it hosts local tournaments and provides scenic views of poplar trees and natural creek features.
Golf Lessons
Our PGA-certified instructors offer personalized golf lessons tailored to individual needs. Services include half-hour and hour-long sessions, group clinics, and specialized playing lessons covering short game techniques, course management, and mental preparation. The Get Golf Ready program introduces beginners to the sport through structured group instruction and practice resources.
Tournaments
We host prestigious golf tournaments including the Robert O'Brien Junior Championship and San Mateo County Championship. The course accommodates competitive play with proper tee markers and scoring systems. Tournament organizers can coordinate logistics through dedicated staff, with historical winners including PGA Tour professionals like Johnny Miller.
Driving Range
The driving range provides practice space for golfers to improve their swing mechanics. Equipped with multiple hitting stations, it allows players to work on different clubs and shot types. The range remains accessible during course renovations and offers practice buckets included in select lesson packages.
VIP Membership
VIP Membership grants exclusive benefits including priority tee times, discounted rates, and special event access. Members receive preferential treatment for tournament entries and facility upgrades. The program aims to reward frequent players while enhancing their overall golf experience through added convenience and value.
People
Dana Banke
Head Golf Professional
Dana Banke leads golf instruction at Poplar Creek with over 20 years of teaching experience. He specializes in customized swing techniques for players of all ages and skill levels, focusing on technical improvement and enjoyment of the game.
Tim Powers
Superintendent
Tim Powers oversees course maintenance and sustainability initiatives at Poplar Creek Golf Course. With expertise in turf management, he ensures optimal playing conditions while implementing irrigation upgrades to improve long-term water efficiency and course viability.
Kevin Kobayashi
Golf Services Manager
Kevin Kobayashi manages daily operations and facility improvements at Poplar Creek. He coordinates repair projects, evaluates food service alternatives during closures, and serves as primary contact for mobile vendor partnerships to enhance customer experience.
Jenifer Chavez
Catering Manager
Jenifer Chavez handles catering services and event coordination at Poplar Creek Golf Course. She works with clients to plan special occasions while managing temporary food service solutions during facility renovations to maintain customer satisfaction.
June Morgan
Tournaments Coordinator
June Morgan organizes competitive golf events and tournament logistics at Poplar Creek. She manages registration processes, course preparations, and participant communications to ensure smooth execution of annual championship events for players of all skill levels.
Questions
When was Poplar Creek Golf Course established?
Poplar Creek Golf Course originally opened in 1933 as San Mateo Municipal Golf Course and reopened after major renovations in July 2000.
How can I book golf lessons at Poplar Creek?
Call our golf shop at (650) 522-4653 to schedule individual or group lessons with our certified instructors, available for all skill levels.
Are tournaments open to the public?
Yes, our tournaments like the Robert O'Brien Junior Championship and San Mateo County Championship welcome both amateur and professional players.
Is the restaurant currently open?
Our restaurant and banquet facility is temporarily closed due to water damage, with alternative food service options under evaluation.
What is the dress code for golfers?
Soft spikes are required, with no cutoffs or tank tops allowed on the course to maintain proper golf attire standards.
