Riviera Country Club

Riviera — George Thomas and William Bell turning a modest canyon into a championship stage

The site occupies Santa Monica Canyon, in Pacific Palisades. The terrain is relatively compact, framed by eucalyptus trees, kikuyu grass, natural slopes, and a spectacular amphitheater around the 18th hole.

The course opened in 1927 for the Los Angeles Athletic Club. George C. Thomas Jr. designed it with William P. Bell, who was responsible for much of the construction. Riviera quickly became one of California's premier courses.

Thomas utilized diagonal angles, central bunkers, alternate fairways, and complex greens. The 4th hole reinterprets the Redan principle, the 6th features a bunker in the middle of the green, and the 10th offers multiple lines of play.

The course is not dominated by its length, but rather by the quality of its strategic positions. The kikuyu grass holds balls, making recoveries highly unpredictable.

The historic private club is closely associated with Hollywood, the Genesis Invitational and major championships.

Opened in 1927; designed by George C. Thomas Jr. Bell; Olympic golf venue in 2028.

Thomas Jr. Bell; 1948 U. S. Open; 1983 and 1995 PGA Championships; site of the 2028 Olympic golf tournament.

Genesis Invitational; U.S. Open; PGA Championship; U.S. Amateur; Jeux olympiques de Los Angeles 2028 — U.S. Open : 1948; PGA Championship : 1983 et 1995; Jeux olympiques : 2028