A Legendary Golfing Haven in Los Angeles
Introduction
Nestled in the picturesque Pacific Palisades, California, The Riviera Country Club is a true gem in the world of golf. With its stunning George C. Thomas Jr.-designed course, legendary tournaments, and exclusive membership, Riviera has solidified its place as one of the most iconic golf clubs in America. Home to The Genesis Invitational and host of multiple majors and future Olympic events, this storied club has tested the greatest golfers of all time. Steeped in Hollywood glamour, championship history, and challenging course design, Riviera is a must-play destination for those who seek golf at its finest.
General Information
The Riviera Country Club is located in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, USA, just minutes from the Santa Monica coastline. Established in 1926, this historic club was designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and has since been refined by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. Riviera has earned a reputation as one of the toughest yet most rewarding golf courses, where narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens create a true test of skill.
What Makes Riviera Unique?
Course Layout & Design
Riviera is a Par 71, 7,322-yard course that blends natural beauty with strategic complexity. Known for its challenging doglegs, deep kikuyu grass rough, and undulating greens, the course demands precision and creativity from every golfer.
Signature Holes
- Hole 6 – A par 3 featuring a bunker in the middle of the green, making for one of the most unusual and challenging approach shots in golf.
- Hole 10 – Arguably the greatest short par 4 in golf, this hole tempts players to drive the green but punishes even the slightest miscalculation.
- Hole 18 – A dramatic uphill finishing hole, framed by Riviera’s stunning clubhouse, often serving as the stage for championship-clinching moments.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Championships & Historic Moments
Riviera has hosted some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in history, leaving an indelible mark on the sport:
- U.S. Open (1948) – The only U.S. Open held at Riviera, where Ben Hogan claimed victory, earning the course its nickname: “Hogan’s Alley.”
- PGA Championship (1983, 1995) – Riviera has twice crowned PGA champions, including Hal Sutton (1983) and Steve Elkington (1995).
- The Genesis Invitational (Ongoing) – One of the most esteemed events on the PGA Tour, hosted annually by Tiger Woods.
- 2028 Olympics Golf Competition – Riviera will be the host venue for golf’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles.
Champions of the Last Decade
Recent Tournament Winners
- 2024 Genesis Invitational – Hideki Matsuyama (-14)
- 2023 Genesis Invitational – Jon Rahm (-17)
- 2022 Genesis Invitational – Joaquín Niemann (-19)
- 2021 Genesis Invitational – Max Homa (-12) (Defeated Tony Finau in a playoff)
- 2020 Genesis Invitational – Adam Scott (-11)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Riviera Country Club offers unparalleled luxury, exclusivity, and championship-level facilities:
- Grand Mediterranean-Style Clubhouse – A historic architectural masterpiece overlooking the course.
- Practice Facilities – Elite short-game areas, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier coaching.
- Exclusive Membership – Riviera remains a private club, known for its high-profile celebrity and business elite members.
- Fine Dining & Social Events – Members enjoy access to high-end dining, private lounges, and VIP events.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Riviera has long been a battleground for golf’s greatest players, including Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Jack Nicklaus.
- Course Record: 61, set by Ted Tryba in 1999 during the Nissan Open.
- Longest Drive: Dustin Johnson launched a 380-yard drive on the 12th hole in 2017.
- Tiger Woods’ PGA Debut – In 1992, a 16-year-old Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut at Riviera during the Nissan Open.
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- Hollywood’s Favorite Golf Club – Riviera has been featured in films like “The Caddy” (1953) and “Follow the Sun” (1951, based on Ben Hogan).
- Hogan’s Alley – The course’s moniker comes from Ben Hogan’s dominance at Riviera in the 1940s and 50s.
- A “Major” Without a Major – While Riviera has only hosted one U.S. Open, many argue it deserves to be a permanent major championship venue.
- The Bunker in the Green – The famous 6th hole bunker, located inside the putting surface, is one of the most talked-about design elements in professional golf.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Riviera is more than a golf course—it is a sacred ground for the game’s greatest moments. From Hogan’s precision to Tiger’s history-making debut, this course has shaped the sport in profound ways. Its challenging layout, star-studded legacy, and upcoming Olympic spotlight make Riviera a true bucket-list destination for any golfer.
Regularly ranked among the Top 50 Golf Courses in the World, Riviera embodies the perfect blend of tradition, competition, and prestige. If you ever get the chance to step onto these hallowed fairways, you’ll understand why Riviera remains one of the most revered and exclusive clubs in golf.
