Noted for its spectacular beauty and challenging design, Riviera Country Club is recognized as one of the best courses on the PGA TOUR. The annual site of the Northern Trust Open, designed by George C Thomas, opened for play in 1927.

Former PGA TOUR player and current NBC Golf analyst Johnny Miller once said,

Riviera is definitely one of the greatest, no-nonsense golf courses in the world. It requires a player to play every club in his bag and every shot in his game.

Perhaps this is why Riviera has hosted many of golf’s greatest events, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship and U.S. Senior Open. Its roster of past champions is impressive and includes Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Bryon Nelson, Tom Watson, Ernie Els, Fred Couples and Phil Mickelson.

NORTHERN TRUST OPEN SIGNATURE HOLES

Hole 1:

The round begins with the picturesque 503-yard par-5. Players launch their tee shots into the Santa Monica Valley from a tee box set 70 feet above the fairway. Often ranked as the best birdie opportunity on the course, it is reachable in two with a well-placed tee shot and a long iron into an M-shaped green.

Hole 10:

Perhaps Riviera’s signature hole, the drivable 315-yard par-4 10th requires players to decide whether to challenge the narrow angled green guarded by bunkers or to lay up down the left side of the fairway. A classic risk/reward hole, the 10th is one of the most exciting holes in all of golf.

One of the most unique and recognized finishing holes brings players’ rounds to a challenging finish. After a blind tee shot from below the fairway, the second shot requires a long iron to reach the kidney-shaped green surrounded by a natural amphitheater that will be packed with fans ready to greet their champion on tournament Sunday.

COURSE FACTS

• 7,279 yards, par 71
• No. 3 rated course by PGA TOUR professionals
• Course record is 61
• Hosted the Northern Trust Open 47 times