Riviera
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Course Type
Private -
GOLF Top 100 U.S. Rank (2024-25)
14 -
Year
1927 -
Architects
George Thomas Jr. / Billy Bell Sr. -
Par
71 -
Yardage
7,400
Course Overview
The value that an architect provides is highlighted here in technicolor. Built in a narrow canyon, there was no reason to hold high hopes for this course. Yet what emerged, courtesy of George Thomas and Billy Bell, is one of the game’s strategic design marvels. Together, the designers took bunker configuration and angled greens to new heights in the 1920s. As proof of their magical skills, look no further than Riv’s 311-yard, par-4 10th. Thanks to the inspired positioning of the bunkers and the angled green, options abound on how to card a big number on this tiny hole. Thomas’s famous quote — “strategy is the soul of the game” — manifests itself at Riv. (Photo: Patrick Koenig)
3 things to know
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Hole everyone talks about
No. 10, par-4, 311 yards. One of the most iconic holes in golf (and on the PGA Tour schedule), the 10th makes players decide whether they want to go for the green or lay up and hit a flip wedge. The small green surrounded by deep bunkers keeps players on their toes no matter the yardage. -
Best non-golf amenity
Don’t like golf? Fine. What about tennis? Riviera has 24 courts and its tennis club is one of the oldest and largest (and most engaged) in the U.S. -
Insider tip
Playing Riv? Keep your eyes peeled. Its membership is loaded with stars (like Adam Sandler and Mark Wahlberg), and several big-name celebrities have houses that overlook the property.
