34
9.42
20

Riviera Country Club

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
1926
GRASS
Poa Annua
SEASON
Year Round
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Available
Unknown
Type
Championship
Unknown
Par
71
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
12
City
Pacific Palisades

Score

9.42
Design
40%
9.7
Conditions
25%
9.3
Desirability
15%
9.6
Scenery
10%
8.9
Fun
5%
8.8
Uniqueness
5%
8.4

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 137

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 12

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Low

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Low

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
$
$
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Riviera is scheduled to host the Olympics golf competition in 2028 and the U.S. Open in 2031, having previously hosted the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and numerous PGA Tour events.

About

Riviera Country Club, designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and William P. Bell, stands as one of the world's most renowned championship courses. Established in 1926, it regularly hosts the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational and has been the site of several major championships. Its natural, strategic layout is revered by professionals and architects alike.

Caddie Tip

Trust your yardages and play for the proper angles; strategy is critical here. Aim for the wide side of fairways and favor the center of greens, as missing in the wrong spots can mean impossible recoveries. On the back nine, the greens get trickier, so pace yourself and avoid short-siding.

The Main Challenge

The back nine is particularly demanding, with tricky green complexes and deep bunkering forcing golfers to execute precise approach shots. The stretch from holes 10 to 13 tests strategy and nerves, and the subtle breaks on the greens challenge even tour professionals.

The Good

Golfers rave about Riviera's classic architecture and the challenge presented by its strategic bunkering, varied fairways, and brilliant greens. The historic atmosphere and regular professional tournaments make each round feel special, and the scenic vistas add to the overall experience.

The Not So Good

Due to its prestige and heavy play during tournament weeks, some members note that access can be restricted at certain times, and the exclusivity can feel daunting to new members. The course’s Poa Annua greens can get bumpy in the afternoon.

Signature Hole:

#

10

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The 10th hole at Riviera Country Club is a short par 4 of iconic status, measuring under 320 yards. Its strategic design tempts players to drive the green, but complex bunkering and a sharply pitched green create risk-reward dilemmas, making it one of golf's most analyzed and admired holes.

Clubhouse

Members enjoy an elegant clubhouse with fine dining, a professional pro shop, luxurious locker rooms, a large fitness center, and meeting spaces. The club also boasts a world-class tennis complex with multiple courts and social event programming.

Practice Facilities

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The club offers a top-rated driving range, short game area, and putting green. Golf instruction is provided by skilled PGA professionals, and members have access to comprehensive practice facilities suitable for all skill levels.

Dress Code:

Prestigious

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

California
U.S.A.