Ava Romero
Riviera Country Club is a private golf club in Los Angeles, California, that has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the Los Angeles Open, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. Senior Open. The club has a rich history, attracting famous members such as Hollywood celebrities Humphrey Bogart, Walt Disney, and Dean Martin. The course is known for its challenging layout and iconic holes, such as the famous short par-4 tenth hole. With its proximity to Hollywood, the club has also served as a filming location for golf-themed films and has been ranked among the top golf courses in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Riviera Country Club |
| Location | Los Angeles, United States |
| Year opened | 1926 |
| Course designer | George C. Thomas Jr. |
| Number of holes | 18 |
| Par | 71 |
| Notable holes | 4th Redan, 6th, 10th |
| Notable tournaments | Los Angeles Open, PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Open, Genesis Invitational, Summer Olympics men's and women's golf (2028) |
| Notable members | Humphrey Bogart, Walt Disney, Dean Martin |
| Amenities | Swimming pool, fitness centre, dining options, banquet and event spaces, locker rooms, pro shop, practice facilities |
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What You'll Learn
Riviera Country Club is ranked in the World Top 100
The Riviera Country Club in California is ranked in the World Top 100 golf courses. The 18-hole course, which opened in 1926, is considered a masterpiece in architectural design. It was designed by George C. Thomas Jr., who created a remarkable course across less than ideal terrain.
The Riviera Country Club has a long history of hosting major golf tournaments. The Los Angeles Open was first played here in 1929, and the course established a long-term relationship with the tournament in 1973. Since then, it has hosted the LA Open every year except for 1983 and 1988, when it held the PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open, respectively.
Over the years, the course has attracted many famous members, including Glen Campbell, Dean Martin, and Gregory Peck. It also holds a unique distinction for Jack Nicklaus, who earned his first pay packet at the Riviera Country Club during the 1962 LA Open. Despite finishing in 50th place, Nicklaus never managed to claim a victory at Riviera during his PGA Tour career.
Ben Hogan also had a special relationship with the course, declaring its one-shot 4th Redan as "The greatest Par 3 hole in America." This statement is commemorated with a plaque, as the hole was chosen as the site for filming Hogan's club company commercials, featuring the only known footage of his golf swing.
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The club has hosted the LA Open almost annually since 1973
The Riviera Country Club, located in Pacific Palisades, California, is one of the top golf courses in the world. It was designed by golf course architects George C. Thomas Jr. and William P. Bell and opened in 1926 as the Los Angeles Athletic Club Golf Course. The course has been modified a few times, notably in 1992 when Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore redesigned the bunkers to their original style.
The Riviera Country Club has a rich history and has hosted notable golf tournaments, including the Los Angeles Open, now known as the Genesis Invitational. The club first hosted the LA Open in 1929 and 1930 and then consecutively from 1945 to 1953. Since 1973, the club has hosted the LA Open almost annually, except in 1983 and 1998 when it prepared to host the PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open, respectively.
The Genesis Invitational, formerly the Genesis Open, is a prestigious professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It is played annually in February, often concluding the tour's "West Coast Swing" before moving east to Florida. The tournament has been held at Riviera nearly every year since 1973, making it the primary host of this event.
The Riviera Country Club has been nicknamed "'Hogan's Alley' after Ben Hogan, who won a pair of Los Angeles Opens and the U.S. Open consecutively in 1948 and 1949 at Riviera. The club has also hosted other major championships, including the U.S. Open in 1948 and the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1995. It was the site of the U.S. Senior Open in 1998 and the U.S. Amateur in 2017. The club is scheduled to host the U.S. Women's Open in 2026 and the golf events at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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The club hosted the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1995
The Riviera Country Club is a private golf club in Los Angeles, California, that has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1995. The club has a rich history and has long been a gathering place for celebrities and industry leaders due to its proximity to Hollywood. The course first opened its doors in 1926 and was one of the most expensive golf courses in the world at the time, costing $243,827.
The Riviera Country Club is known for its challenging layout and strategic holes. The course is a par 71, 18-hole masterpiece that offers a variety of holes testing different aspects of a golfer's game. One of the most notable holes is the one-shot 4th Redan, which golf legend Ben Hogan hailed as "The greatest Par 3 hole in America". Hogan's admiration for this hole is commemorated with a plaque at the site.
The club has hosted the PGA Tour's annual competition in LA since 1973, with the exception of 1983 and 1988 when it hosted the PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open, respectively. In addition to the PGA Championship, the Riviera Country Club has also hosted other prestigious tournaments, including the Los Angeles Open, which has been played at the club every year since 1973 except for the two years mentioned above.
The Riviera Country Club has a limited number of memberships available, and it offers its members not only access to exceptional golf but also a lifestyle of luxury, leisure, and a sense of community. The club provides exclusive dining, fitness, tennis, and social amenities, as well as opportunities to mingle with elite members and participate in various social events such as parties, concerts, and charity fundraisers.
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The course is considered one of the finest natural layouts in golf
The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles is considered one of the finest natural golf layouts in the world. The course is ranked in the World Top 100 and has hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. Amateur. Legends like Jack Nicklaus and Hogan have graced the course, with the latter declaring the one-shot 4th Redan as "The greatest Par 3 hole in America".
The 18-hole, par-71 course offers a variety of holes that challenge different aspects of the game. The sixth hole features an iconic bunker in the middle of the green, while the tenth is a famous short par-4 hole that is considered one of the most strategic and exciting holes in golf. The course is designed by the legendary George C. Thomas Jr., who has created a masterpiece that leaves golfers breathless.
The Riviera Country Club is not just a place to play golf, but a tranquil escape from city life with its Mediterranean Revival architecture and stunning natural surroundings. It offers an unrivalled array of amenities, including tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. The clubhouse provides fine dining and social events, making it a place where sporting excellence meets social prestige.
Membership at the Riviera Country Club is highly exclusive and typically requires sponsorship by current members, along with approval by the membership committee. Members enjoy privileged access to PGA events hosted at the club and can mingle with the elite members of the club, including legends from the world of golf and tennis.
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The club has attracted celebrity members, including Humphrey Bogart
The Riviera Country Club, located only a few miles from Beverly Hills, has long been a popular hangout spot for Hollywood celebrities. The club has hosted many celebrity members, including the classic Hollywood cinema actor Humphrey Bogart, who enjoyed spending time at the Riviera Country Club. Bogart spent a lot of time watching golf from a sycamore tree on the 12th hole, leading the club to name the tree after him. To this day, it is still referred to as "Bogey's Tree".
Another celebrity member of the Riviera Country Club is Adam Sandler, who is known for his love of golf. Sandler has even filmed scenes for his show, "Curb Your Enthusiasm", at the club. Larry David, the creator of "Seinfeld" and star of "Curb Your Enthusiasm", is also a member of the Riviera Country Club and has filmed several scenes for his show at the club.
The club has also attracted celebrity guests and members such as Walt Disney, Gregory Peck, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis, and Dean Martin. In addition to its celebrity members, the Riviera Country Club is known for its prestigious golf course, ranked among the World Top 100. It has hosted notable tournaments such as the Genesis Invitational and the Los Angeles Open, further enhancing its reputation as an exclusive and sought-after club for celebrities and golf enthusiasts alike.
The club's proximity to Hollywood and its reputation for hosting high-profile events have made it a desirable destination for celebrities and socialites alike. The Riviera Country Club continues to be a sought-after location for those seeking a combination of luxury, exclusivity, and a passion for the game of golf.
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Frequently asked questions
The Riviera Country Club opened in 1926.
The Los Angeles Open was first played at Riviera in 1929, but the event began a long-term relationship with the club in 1973.
The golf course at Riviera Country Club is a par 71, 18-hole course that is considered one of the finest natural layouts in golf. It offers a variety of holes that challenge different aspects of the game.
Riviera has hosted several major championships, including the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1995, and the U.S. Senior Open in 1988. It will also host the 2026 U.S. Women's Open and the 2031 U.S. Men's Open. Additionally, the club has a rich history of attracting celebrities and has been featured in several golf-related films.
The Riviera Country Club offers fine dining, social events, a swimming pool, a fitness center, banquet and event spaces, locker rooms, and a pro shop. Membership provides access to exclusive dining, fitness, tennis, and social amenities, in addition to the prestigious golf course.
