Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Currently ranked no 36 in the world, Riviera is flanked by the Santa Monica canyon and some of the most expensive property in the world. Designed by George Thomas, the course is very green, predictably perfectly manicured and lush. Trees are everywhere, but will seldom interfere with a good shot. The first tee will provide the hint that Riviera is as much about the strategy as anything else. The tee box points you away from the best line of play, so you have to aim left to hit the fairway. This is just one of the many little deceptions that make Riviera a great course that forces you to think your way around it. The 6th is the courses most recognizable hole due to one feature – the large bunker set in the middle of the green. While John Daley infamously took a divot out of the green chipping over this bunker, don’t even think of trying the same trick as visitors and members are banned from taking a wedge onto the green. Whether you score well or blow out here, you are likely to remember this hole. The 10th is often called the best short par four in the world; a variety of options exist, from laying up short to playing left of the bunkers or cutting loose with the driver and going for broke. Jack Nicklaus said this hole gave more options than any other short par four that he knew of. Take the time to examine the surrounding mansions – you are likely to see household faces.
Write your own review